The Albion chapter of the NAACP recently presented Albion College Professor Patricia Franzen with its prestigious Community Service Award.

The award was presented to Franzen during a ceremony on Oct. 19. Franzen is co-chair and professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Albion College, and a founder and leader at the Albion Community Gardens.

NAACP President Robert Dunklin said the award recognizes Franzen’s dedication to the community and community gardening, which for years has provided fresh produce to share throughout the community. Dunklin said Franzen also is a great supporter of the chapter and volunteers whenever called upon.

“The members of the NAACP-Albion Chapter have been my community-service mentors since I came to Albion,” Franzen said. “They have inspired and instructed me on what community service is. I am honored to be recognized with this award.”

The Albion Community Gardens offers free garden plots to students and other community members for the May-September season. In the past the garden has produced winter squash, watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, various herbs, onions, summer squash, and green beans.