SylviaSylvia Besana was a Roseville native who epitomized the word "volunteer". An educator, counselor and avid community leader, Sylvia spent the greater part of her life giving back to the community and making a difference through her continued commitment to serve.

The Sylvia Besana Community Volunteer Award is a tribute to her and to her lifetime of community service. This annual award recognizes individuals in the Roseville community who display dedication through consistent commitment to community service, serve as role models by inspiring others to volunteer, and demonstrate leadership, excellence and integrity through volunteer service.

Recipients are recognized at City Council meetings and their names are engraved on a perpetual plaque commemorating the honor; the plaque is displayed in the lobby of the Civic Center.

Nominations open in April, coinciding with National Volunteer Month. Learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to submit a nomination here.

Congratulations to our 2023 finalists and award recipient!

2023 Sylvia Besana Volunteer of the Year:
Matthew Bridge

Matthew Bridge has been an integral part of the Roseville community for nearly a decade through his involvement with the Friends of the Roseville Public Library, the Roseville Parks and Recreation Commission and Youth Sports Coalition.

Through his leadership as President of Friends of the Roseville Public Library, he has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Roseville residents by growing the board to include a passionate group of library lovers and making a name for the organization. During this time as President, he spearheaded the annual Tequila Mockingbird fundraising event and quarterly trivia nights to fund programs and materials through our three Roseville libraries. 

Matthew has also served on the Roseville Parks and Recreation Commission for the past seven years, the Youth Sports Coalition for four years, and donates his time to coaching youth sports including softball, basketball, soccer and free basketball clinics.

2023 Finalists:
Jan Merrill
Catherine Russell-McGregor
Students of Merryhill Roseville
Marshall Wilkins

Past Recipients
2018 Margo Ezell
2017 Nayan Pradhan
2015 Fred and Pauline Wight
2014 Ed and Marian Tiedemann
2013 Olu Shaola
2012 Esmerita Rivera
2011 Janet Zeitman
2010 Aldo Pineschi, Jr.
2009 Melba Erven