Students recognized for community service

April 23, 2013

Georgia Southern’s commitment and dedication to public service from its students, faculty and staff have led to the University being named in the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

“This award recognizes the dedication of our students, faculty and staff to invest their lives in this community,” said Todd Deal, Ph.D., director of the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement (OSLCE).  “A significant part of our mission is service to the region, and this award demonstrates that we certainly are meeting that.”

This is the first time Georgia Southern has applied for and been recognized with the award. The data from the 2011-12 academic year revealed more than 3,900 students engaged in nearly 369,000 hours or more than 15,000 days of community service. As a part of the application, Georgia Southern reported service by its pre-service teachers and nursing students, as well as the community service efforts coordinated through the OSLCE; however, it does not include the countless hours of service by the University’s Greek organizations.

Among the work done through the OSLCE: the Community Liaisons program which embeds ten undergraduate students with non-profit agencies to coordinate volunteers and special events; “The Empty Bowl” project where students produce ceramic bowls that are then filled with chili and sold to raise money for the Statesboro Food Bank; and the annual alternative Spring Break trip to the Bahamas which involved students performing building renovations at the Freeport YMCA and distributing meals through the Bahamas Red Cross.

“Our students definitely have a heart for investing their lives through service,” explained Deal. “I can say that I have never seen a university student body with such a dedication to service.  I think it reflects the ethos of our region. I believe that the families of our students teach the importance of service and of investing your life in your local community.  Our students bring those lessons with them to college and put what they have learned into action in our community.”

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.