Miranda and Lauren at the awards ceremony. Photo by Matthew Modoono.

CAMD students Miranda Marean, BFA ‘16, and Lauren Serzanin, BA ’16, were among 17 seniors honored at Northeastern’s 2017 Out­standing Coop­er­a­tive Edu­ca­tion Awards this spring. The awards celebrate the accom­plish­ments of high- achieving co-op students who have been exceptional in applying classroom concepts to real-world challenges in their workplaces.

“Co-op and experiential learning is one of the key components of a Northeastern University education,” explained Craig Bettinson, Co-op Faculty Coordinator. “CAMD students have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings that allow them to explore career interests and develop the skills that will enhance their portfolio and increase their career options as new graduates. Ultimately, they are more engaged in the classroom as they can better see the connection between theory and practice.”

During her time at Northeastern, Miranda applied what she learned in her classes to her co-ops at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she served as a Community Arts Program Assistant, and VE Global, where she was an International Education Volunteer.

“Without the co-op experience and being at Northeastern, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to try something outside of the field I had already decided for myself, and then I feel like I wouldn’t have found out my passion for wanting to work with children,” she said.

Lauren’s co-op experience ranged from work as a Content Marketing Assistant at Constant Contact to a Community Engagement Intern at Southwest Airlines.

“I think the best part of co-op from an academic standpoint is that once you’re back in classes, you have something to apply concepts to and to apply what you’re learning; you’re able to really integrate your work experience with your educational experience,” she said.

Recipients of the Outstanding Co-op Awards are leaders in their career fields who have contributed uniquely to both their workplaces and classrooms. Congratulations to Miranda and Lauren and to their fellow honorees!