Building a Healthier Campus Community

This month, Olivia Burnett ’24 will graduate from Pace University with a BS in Health Sciences, having specialized in the pre-Physician Assistant track with a concentration in Global Health. The program is known for its academic rigor, but that didn’t deter Olivia from pursuing her deep commitment to community service. Her leadership in initiatives like the Pace Market—along with her participation in clubs such as Pace Pride, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, and the NYS Public Health Association—has earned her the 2024 Pleasantville Campus Community Service Award.

Olivia's commitment to community service, especially in addressing food insecurity, stems from her experience growing up in an disadvantaged area of Upstate New York. According to Olivia, “I witnessed how families struggled to access, afford, and transport healthy and nutritious food.” However, it was the community's response to such need that truly inspired her passion for service. “At the same time, I saw how community members surrounded those people with love and support. I also observed the schools and churches in my area working to ensure that community members had everything they needed.”

“Acts of service help in creating healthy, safe, and successful communities.”

As she grew up, Olivia became one of these helpers, getting involved in community groups that addressed issues of food insecurity, loneliness in older communities, and cycles of violence. This service spirit continued once she came to Pace. “When I came to Pace, I realized that the issue of food insecurity was still prevalent,” said Olivia. “I felt compelled to do something about it from a public health standpoint.”

Denise Tahara, PhD, has witnessed Olivia’s passion for public health firsthand. “Olivia is committed to the health profession through her volunteer work and curiosity.” She watched as Olivia brought her vast experience to Pace, particularly the Pace Market, a food pantry open daily on the Pleasantville Campus.

Creating and sustaining campus programs and clubs that support different student groups is the key to creating happier, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.

Tahara noted that Olivia didn’t just show up, she stood out. “She has been working with the pantry to get the word out, particularly to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities who underutilize the pantry.” Not only did Olivia work to expand access, she wanted to increase her understanding of food insecurity on campus. Tahara explains, “She administered a survey to learn more about student food insecurity and patterns of usage by the students.”

For Olivia, addressing food insecurity doesn’t just help those affected by it, but uplifts the entire community. “I believe that everyone should be willing to do acts of service that may not directly impact them but rather benefit the larger community they are a part of,” she says. “Acts of service help in creating healthy, safe, and successful communities.”

I believe that everyone should be willing to do acts of service that may not directly impact them.

After graduation, Olivia has decided to take a year to get firsthand experience in the field of public health as an EKG technician and continue her community work. After that, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in public health, bringing her closer to her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Tahara is confident in Olivia’s future, saying, “I believe that Olivia’s commitment to food security and advocating for underserved communities will make her a strong leader in the health professions.”

Her advice to current students remains focused on the power of community involvement: “Organizing on campus is important to ensure the community's success. Programs like the Pace Market work because volunteers take the time to get together and work towards a common goal,” says Olivia. “Creating and sustaining campus programs and clubs that support different student groups is the key to creating happier, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.”