Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

"I am pleased to have someone of Mike’s caliber and commitment to education heading this valuable program in our district," Cardoza said.

The Congressional Award is a public private partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America’s youth, ages 14 to 23. To earn a Congressional Award, participants set and achieve individual goals in four program areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expeditions.

Members of Congress recognize constituents who earn Bronze and Silver Congressional Award Medals at local ceremonies. The Gold Congressional Award ceremony is held annually in the U.S. Capitol and is presided over by the leadership of the House and Senate. An unlimited number of Congressional Awards may be earned throughout the country.

Adult volunteers play a very important role in the program. They advise participants on an individual basis, helping them set challenging but achievable goals. Adults also validate participants’ activities in the four program areas.

Campbell has been recognized nationally for his contributions to youth and has worked with young people throughout the Valley in their efforts to complete the Congressional Award program. Both of Campbell’s daughters have earned the Gold Congressional Award. "The Congressional Award Program is an outstanding opportunity for young people to enhance their personal and physical development and dedicate themselves to community service," Campbell said. "I’m proud to have been asked by Congressman Cardoza to promote this very important program in the Valley."

As Associate Vice Chancellor at UC Merced, Campbell is responsible for cultivating and soliciting major gift and grant support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Prior to joining UC Merced, he worked for 13 years as the Assistant Dean in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis and has served as a White House Fellow.