As president of the DePaul Activities Board, Ankit Pal strives to strengthen the community and create positive DePaul memories among the student body. (DePaul University/Randall Spriggs)
The Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award honors leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity. This year, the organization bestowed that honor upon Ankit Pal, a senior health science major with a minor in political science. “It's a tremendous honor," Pal says. “I'm very happy to have helped our community in every way I can."
Pal is the current president of the DePaul Activities Board. A “for students, by students organization," DAB helps coordinate programs and events to strengthen the community and create positive DePaul memories among the student body. Popular events range from the DePaul After Dark series to poetry contests to the end-of-year staple, FEST.
“I have had the privilege of speaking with fellow students who tell me stories about how wonderful they found various events," Pal explains. “That positive impact is phenomenal."
Pal joined DAB in October of his freshman year.
“I enjoyed staffing these events so much I stayed for more than three years," he laughs.
As DAB president Pal has a number of duties, such as working with other members and officers of DAB, and planning out what the organization will look like past his graduation.
“The best part of working with Ankit has to be his helpfulness and wealth of knowledge about all things in the Office of Student Involvement, DAB and DePaul," says Teneshia Arnold, assistant director of Campus Activities within the Office of Student Involvement. “Ankit always shares helpful tips and advice with me no matter the situation."
“Being able to put on events to make the DePaul community better is uplifting," Pal says. “We strive to do positive things."
Pal also shares what makes DePaul stand out to him: the mission of continual improvement and building community.
“No matter where one goes, it is best for them to think about those Vincentian values," Pal adds. “How can we make things better than they are?"
Although Pal has only a couple quarters to go before graduation, he already has begun to manifest what lies beyond this academic year: law school.
“I believe I can have an impact in the realm of public health policy," he notes. “I want to be someone that always strives for change and improvement."
Learn more about the DePaul Activities Board and check out the organization's upcoming events online.
Christian Saulog is a student marketing communications assistant in the Division of Student Affairs.