Counseling major Cornell Marshburn is the 2020 Luke Baldwin Award Winner.
Named for Dr. Luke Baldwin, an advocate for adult learners who served as an associate professor, associate dean for academic affairs and interim provost, the award is presented each year to one graduating senior enrolled through Lesley’s Center for the Adult Learner. Recipients each exhibit a passion for lifelong learning and continuous community service.
“I was shocked, first to be nominated, and then to find out I was the recipient,” says Marshburn. “It was a great feeling because I know this award is one of Lesley’s highest honors.”
Marshburn, who graduated in the spring, was in the Honors Society and presented at the university's Community of Scholars event in March 2019. He was also an admissions ambassador for adult learners, a role he particularly enjoyed.
“At first, I wanted to get my bachelor’s degree and get out, but that totally changed once I became an ambassador,” he says. “It was one of those things I never planned on doing, but after taking a tour of the campus and getting to talk about Lesley and what it has to offer, it definitely changed my mind about wanting to be involved in the university.”
Marshburn plans to return to Lesley in Spring 2021 to get his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
"I chose counseling as a career for one big reason: I want to help. I want to help people find their voice, discover who they are and communicate better with others about what it is that they need, want and desire. Primarily in the LGBTIA+ community; however, all are welcome," says Marshburn.
