Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. This marks the fifth consecutive year SIUE’s commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement has been recognized.
The criteria includes detailing three specific projects substantially based in philanthropy and community service. These projects included the SIUE Experience, the student organization Alliance of Students Against Poverty and SIUE Community Engagement featuring ongoing projects and an Alternative Spring Break. Additionally, it considers each university’s overall service hours, service-learning hours and the number of the students who complete community service hours.”This achievement puts us on the map with other schools nationwide and reiterates SIUE’s mission, vision and values and our commitment to encouraging students to be responsible citizens in their community,” said Sarah Laux, assistant director of community engagement in SIUE’s Kimmel Student Involvement Center.
SIUE’s number of service hours has increased substantially in recent years. During the 2011-2012 academic year, the total number of service hours performed was 107,078. In comparison, in academic year 2012-2013, the total number of hours more than doubled, growing to 279,730. Laux attributes this notable growth to an increase in program opportunities, active student organizations and the number of courses offering a service-learning component.
Nearly 8,900 students participated in community service projects in the 2012-2013 academic year.
“As much as it’s an award for the University, it is also an award for the students to commend their efforts and their selfless attitude toward benefiting the community. This honor speaks highly of our students,” added Laux.
View the complete 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.