UVSC makes service honor roll

The UVSC Center for Service & Learning was recently named on the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This award was given from the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal service agency.

The Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning activities.

Schools were chosen on the basis of service projects that were carried out, percentage of student participation, motivation for service, and which academic service-learning courses are offered.

"UVSC definitely was a school to be recognized and qualify for this honor, with a wide array of departments that reached out and have engaged within the community," said Alexis Palmer, in a press release.

Palmer is the director of the UVSC Center for Service & Learning, and an adviser.

The center has been open since 1993. It works to build a sense of community commitment and create connections between service and learning through various academic departments.

According to Palmer, there are many departments on campus that have reached out to serve the community. For example, the automotive department offered free car checks, the dental hygiene department taught oral healthcare in the community, and the construction department built Habitat for Humanity homes.

There is also a Student Service Council that is dedicated to building student-run programs for the benefit of student volunteers and the community.

"It is no surprise to me that we would merit such an award, because our advisers are excellent, our volunteers are top-notch and our student leadership is unrivaled," said Jerry Stenquist, president of the Student Service Council. "What we have done in the past years is paved the road for thousands of volunteers to come."

A variety of volunteer opportunities for students are available. To find out how to get involved, visit the center located at SC 101 or visit www.uvsc.edu/volunteer