 |
Wittenberg students participate in a recent service event. |
Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. One of just 83 schools named to the 2008 Honor Roll With Distinction, Wittenberg has earned recognition in each of the first three years of the program's existence.
"Wittenberg has a long-standing tradition of community service," Wittenberg Director of Community Service Kristen Collier said. "We are proud to receive this recognition and believe it is a true reflection of the positive impact our students have made in Springfield/Clark County and the commitment across campus to engage students in the community."
The 635 colleges and universities awarded spots on the prestigious honor roll lists were chosen based on a series of selection factors, including scope and innovativeness of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses. Click here to view the full list.
Wittenberg's Office of Community Service highlighted several programs in 2008, including its Community Service Scholar Award. The Community Service Scholar Award Program recognizes superior achievement in community service through half-tuition scholarships, offering students a four-year developmental plan that allows them to become actively involved in service to the community (20 hours per semester), to participate in educational and enrichment activities, to serve as advocates for community engagement and to reflect on the connection between their experience and the liberal arts education.
In addition, the office offered several special focus areas in 2008, including a Spanish Service-Learning Program and Girl Power. Given the increase of the Latino population in Clark County, where Wittenberg is located, the university's Foreign Languages and Literatures Department developed an action plan that evolved into the Spanish Service-Learning Program. During the 2007-08 academic year, Wittenberg students and faculty members participated in a tutoring program at various sites, directly impacting approximately 70 young people.
 |
AmeriCorps VISTA Melissa Jackson, Wittenberg class of 2007, shows off the proceeds of a recent food drive. |
"Our appearance on this list since its inception is evidence of the spirit of service that is a hallmark of a Wittenberg education," said Wittenberg President Mark H. Erickson. "I want to acknowledge the contributions of our students, faculty, and staff, and to thank the many community partners who help make these service opportunities possible."
The Community Service Honor Roll is jointly sponsored by the corporation through its Learn and Serve America program, and the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps, and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. The organization administers Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America, a program that supports service-learning in schools, institutions of higher education and community-based organizations. Click here for more information.
Written By: Ryan Maurer
Photo (left) By: Brian Schubert '09
Photo (right) submitted by Office of Community Service
018-09
| Related Links: |
