College of Information senior Michael Gartley recently received a 2005 FSU President’s Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award “recognizes students who exhibit tremendous commitment to service.”

Since last August, Michael has been working with a woman living in a nursing home who has been a paraplegic for almost 20 years. An automobile accident left her with the use of only one arm and hand, and with short-term memory loss. Each week, Michael has been visiting her for two or three hours and teaching her how to use a computer for e-mail, solitaire, and word games. The computer has expanded the small, isolated world of the nursing home into a world of connection and communication for her, now that she can e-mail with friends and family. Michael has adapted the computer for her specific physical needs and is setting up a website portal, where she can easily access often used programs, her e-mail, and maintain a blog.

Michael and other winners of the humanitarian award were recognized at an awards luncheon hosted by FSU President Wetherell on March 30. Each received a plaque and a $200 donation was made in the name of each recipient to a nonprofit agency of their choice. Congratulations to Michael for his generosity and good work.