LOWELL – University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) recently established the Heart & Soul Award in honor of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Michelle Silveira. The naming of the Michelle Silveira Heart & Soul Award recognizes her commitment to community involvement and passion for volunteerism.  

The SAAC consists of nearly 30 members, six of which sit on the Executive Board and all of which play for the University’s various sports teams. The SAAC speaks on behalf of UMass Lowell’s hundreds of student athletes on issues or concerns regarding operations, academics and their overall experience. Members are also responsible for ensuring student athletes play active roles within the community. They encourage participation in food drives, personal development seminars, fundraising events and more.

The SAAC created the Heart & Soul Award to honor UMass Lowell student athletes who demonstrate the same passion for giving back as Michelle Silveira.

Silveira, a 30-year Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union employee, is a graduate of UMass Lowell with a degree in Business Management. She sits on several local boards including Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s We Share A Common Thread Foundation, Lowell Festival Foundation, Power of Flowers Project and the Greater Lowell YMCA.  She also participates in several committees including UMass Lowell Financial Wellness Committee, UMass Lowell Peer to Peer Advising Subcommittee, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell Golf Committee and the New England Patriots Alumni Football for YOU Camp Committee.

“I am privileged and honored that the UMass Lowell Student-Athlete Advisory Council has thought highly enough of my history of community service to name the Heart & Soul award after me,” said Silveira. It is both humbling and satisfying to know that student athletes think as highly of community involvement as we at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union do,” she added.

At a ceremony held on Tuesday, April 25th, Silveira presented the Heart & Soul Award to this year’s recipient, Joe Conti, a member of the Men’s Soccer Team.

Conti is a junior and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration. The Student-Athlete Advisory Council Vice President, Georgia Cowderoy, says that although he mostly works behind the scenes and never likes to gloat about his input in the program, Conti is always the first SAAC member to volunteer whenever help is needed with any event or other activity the Council is involved with.

“Having this award in honor of Michelle couldn't be more fitting,” said Cowderoy. “This was a perfect way to culminate the efforts of two people who are driven by the desire to help those around them and give, with expecting nothing in return,” she added.

Joe Conti is the recipient of the first Michelle Silveira Heart & Soul Award, and the SAAC is looking forward to presenting this award to more student athletes each year.

“With young men and women who are caring and dedicated to the fundamental concept of volunteerism, I see a bright future and a positive horizon,” Silveira said.

Photo: Michelle Silveira, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, presented UMass Lowell junior and men’s soccer player, Joe Conti, with the first ever Michelle Silveira Heart & Soul Award at a ceremony on Tuesday, April 24th.