Friends University won the Young Professionals of Wichita (YPW) Choice Award for the large company division. YPW presented the award to Friends University during the YPW Founders’ Day celebration in late July.
The award recognizes area businesses that are exemplary places for young professionals to work. Friends University stands out as a leading organization in Wichita by having internal programs that help attract, retain and develop young professionals within the organization.
“Friends University won this award based on votes by our YPW members and the community,” said Alejo Cabral, director of YPW. “The community sees the effort being put forth and recognizes the significance of having an institution like Friends University in our community.”
Members of YPW nominated organizations for the Choice Award; this year, there were six nominations. Then, the YPW board chairs, the board community advisers and one community representative selected two finalists – Friends University and Spirit AeroSystems. YPW members and community members voted, and Friends University received the most votes. Friends University is the first university to receive the award since it was established in 2011.
As a corporate investor of YPW, Friends University offers free YPW membership to all employees and students. With its RISE values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence), Friends University shines God’s love to the community and the world by championing service projects and valuing the whole person.
“Friends University has been amazing to work with,” Cabral said. “They have hosted YPW meetings and events. They have both staff and students that currently volunteer with YPW and in the community.”
In addition to Friends University earning the Choice Award, two members of the Friends University community received recognition – Kianga Crowley, a current student in Friends University’s Global MBA program, and Danielle Frideres, director of career services. Crowley won the Innovations in Business Award. She started Simply a Lady Co., which hosts etiquette tea parties among other events/classes. Frideres won the Action Team Member of the Year Award for the College Connection team. Frideres serves as secretary on the College Connection Action Team.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.