NYCC Spotlight on Members
Submit Your Campus “Spotlight”
Everyone involved in the work of civic engagement and community-based education has a story to tell, and New York Campus Compact is eager to help you tell yours. Every Friday, we feature the outstanding work of one of our member institutions in a “Spotlight on Members." The Spotlight is e-mailed to over 800 college and university presidents, service learning faculty, community service directors and civic engagement offices at our 80 member campuses. The Spotlight is a short announcement of 300-500 words, describing a particular course, program, or project that you want to share with your colleagues.
Responses from members indicate great interest in this feature--
You may e-mail your Spotlight entry to:nycc@cornell.edu.
Everyone involved in the work of civic engagement and community-based education has a story to tell, and New York Campus Compact is eager to help you tell yours. Every Friday, we feature the outstanding work of one of our member institutions in a “Spotlight on Members." The Spotlight is e-mailed to over 800 college and university presidents, service learning faculty, community service directors and civic engagement offices at our 80 member campuses. The Spotlight is a short announcement of 300-500 words, describing a particular course, program, or project that you want to share with your colleagues.
Responses from members indicate great interest in this feature--
- "It's a good way to know who is doing what..... a source of ideas... a chance to toot our horn..."
- "We very much appreciate the opportunity Spotlight has afforded us to learn about so many exciting projects, and we're delighted to know that others might learn from our efforts."
You may e-mail your Spotlight entry to:nycc@cornell.edu.
This Week's Spotlight:
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Nearly 100 members of the Geneva and Hobart and William Smith communities gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, officially marking the opening of the Geneva Community Lakefront Playground on shore of Seneca Lake.
Just days before more than 250 members of the Geneva and HWS communities worked to install the playground equipment on a pie-shaped parcel of grassy space on the western end of the city-owned park. The playground is located near the pedestrian tunnel under Routes 5&20 and the Long Pier. "What better backdrop than the shore of Seneca Lake to demonstrate a community working together," said City Manager Mathew Horn. "This playground represents the best of Geneva."
The playground is a part of a collaborative project between Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva Community Projects and the City of Geneva through the KaBOOM! organization.
"We built it together," remarked Belinda Venuti, president of Geneva Community Projects.
The ribbon cutting comes only 16 months after KaBOOM! founder and CEO Darell Hammond was on campus to deliver the 2011-2012 Convocation address. KaBOOM! is a national organization dedicated to saving play for America's children by building playgrounds across the country. Since its inception in 1995, the organization has built thousands of playgrounds throughout the U.S.
Community organizers set out to create a new public playspace for Geneva's children and a long-lasting community building project. The success is marked with "shared vision and teamwork," said Jeremy Wattles, assistant director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at the Colleges.
Recently, Geneva was named a "2012 Playful City USA" for the community's effort to increase play for children. Only one of two cities in the state to receive this title, the Let's Play group awarded the Geneva community with a $20,000 grant to be used toward the project.
"No one's doing what Geneva's doing. Working together in a collaborative spirit, Geneva did this together," said Mark D. Gearan, president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. "It's what this community is becoming known for."
Due to overwhelming support, the project exceeded its initial fall goal of $100,000. The Geneva Community Lakefront Playground Committee has set a new goal of reaching a total of $120,000 by the spring. In an effort to do so, the HWS and Geneva communities will partner on two additional fundraising events. On Sunday, Nov. 4, there will be a "Relay for Play" event held at the Bristol Field House on the HWS campus.
Another effort is being organized by the Smith Opera House and its Director Kelly Bradley. The "Battle of the Bands" fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, when local bands will compete to raise money in support of the playground build.
http://www.hws.edu/dailyupdate/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=16014
Nearly 100 members of the Geneva and Hobart and William Smith communities gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, officially marking the opening of the Geneva Community Lakefront Playground on shore of Seneca Lake.
Just days before more than 250 members of the Geneva and HWS communities worked to install the playground equipment on a pie-shaped parcel of grassy space on the western end of the city-owned park. The playground is located near the pedestrian tunnel under Routes 5&20 and the Long Pier. "What better backdrop than the shore of Seneca Lake to demonstrate a community working together," said City Manager Mathew Horn. "This playground represents the best of Geneva."
The playground is a part of a collaborative project between Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva Community Projects and the City of Geneva through the KaBOOM! organization.
"We built it together," remarked Belinda Venuti, president of Geneva Community Projects.
The ribbon cutting comes only 16 months after KaBOOM! founder and CEO Darell Hammond was on campus to deliver the 2011-2012 Convocation address. KaBOOM! is a national organization dedicated to saving play for America's children by building playgrounds across the country. Since its inception in 1995, the organization has built thousands of playgrounds throughout the U.S.
Community organizers set out to create a new public playspace for Geneva's children and a long-lasting community building project. The success is marked with "shared vision and teamwork," said Jeremy Wattles, assistant director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at the Colleges.
Recently, Geneva was named a "2012 Playful City USA" for the community's effort to increase play for children. Only one of two cities in the state to receive this title, the Let's Play group awarded the Geneva community with a $20,000 grant to be used toward the project.
"No one's doing what Geneva's doing. Working together in a collaborative spirit, Geneva did this together," said Mark D. Gearan, president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. "It's what this community is becoming known for."
Due to overwhelming support, the project exceeded its initial fall goal of $100,000. The Geneva Community Lakefront Playground Committee has set a new goal of reaching a total of $120,000 by the spring. In an effort to do so, the HWS and Geneva communities will partner on two additional fundraising events. On Sunday, Nov. 4, there will be a "Relay for Play" event held at the Bristol Field House on the HWS campus.
Another effort is being organized by the Smith Opera House and its Director Kelly Bradley. The "Battle of the Bands" fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2, when local bands will compete to raise money in support of the playground build.
http://www.hws.edu/dailyupdate/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=16014
The New School
In 1936, New York City experienced its record high of 106 degrees. The same summer, 11 pools opened across the city’s five boroughs, grand public spaces incorporating advanced filtration technology and forward-looking design sensibilities. Financed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, 80 years later these pools remain extremely popular: In 2012, 130,000 people swam in uptown Manhattan’s Highbridge pool alone. And, like any well-loved grand dame, Highbridge could use a facelift.
Enter the Parsons Design Workshop, an innovative design studio led by graduate architecture students at the School of Constructed Environments. Through a partnership with New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Parsons students are bringing Highbridge pool into the twenty-first century: Construction on the pool pavilion, Splash House, is complete, and the second phase of the make-over, converting the vestibule in a project called In_Flux, is underway. “From the master planning process, to the design phase, and through construction, the students have worked diligently to meet the community’s needs,” says Parks and Recreation Commissioner Veronica White.
Splash House is a space-efficient, lightweight, and porous structure, providing naturally lit and ventilated changing and locker areas. This new space means the recreation center, which previously closed in the summer months to allow pool goers to use its facilities, can remain open year round. Parks and Recreation plans to install a water curtain to double as a play feature for children and a way to rinse off before swimming.
By converting Highbridge’s open-air vestibule into an enclosed entry and common space, In_Flux will create an additional 2,000 square feet of space where neighborhood residents can meet in an informal setting. The design is intended to enhance the historic design of the original 1932 space, and the removal of a 1982 addition of a turret will provide a unified entry to the recreation center and pool.
“For over a decade, our students and faculty have worked with a range of non-profits to enhance the built environment through the Design Workshop,” said Joel Towers, executive dean of Parsons. “Our partnership with Parks and Recreation represents an important step in furthering the work of this studio, and creating work that improves the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.”
http://blogs.newschool.edu/news/2012/10/splash-house-brings-new-life-public-pool/
In 1936, New York City experienced its record high of 106 degrees. The same summer, 11 pools opened across the city’s five boroughs, grand public spaces incorporating advanced filtration technology and forward-looking design sensibilities. Financed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, 80 years later these pools remain extremely popular: In 2012, 130,000 people swam in uptown Manhattan’s Highbridge pool alone. And, like any well-loved grand dame, Highbridge could use a facelift.
Enter the Parsons Design Workshop, an innovative design studio led by graduate architecture students at the School of Constructed Environments. Through a partnership with New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Parsons students are bringing Highbridge pool into the twenty-first century: Construction on the pool pavilion, Splash House, is complete, and the second phase of the make-over, converting the vestibule in a project called In_Flux, is underway. “From the master planning process, to the design phase, and through construction, the students have worked diligently to meet the community’s needs,” says Parks and Recreation Commissioner Veronica White.
Splash House is a space-efficient, lightweight, and porous structure, providing naturally lit and ventilated changing and locker areas. This new space means the recreation center, which previously closed in the summer months to allow pool goers to use its facilities, can remain open year round. Parks and Recreation plans to install a water curtain to double as a play feature for children and a way to rinse off before swimming.
By converting Highbridge’s open-air vestibule into an enclosed entry and common space, In_Flux will create an additional 2,000 square feet of space where neighborhood residents can meet in an informal setting. The design is intended to enhance the historic design of the original 1932 space, and the removal of a 1982 addition of a turret will provide a unified entry to the recreation center and pool.
“For over a decade, our students and faculty have worked with a range of non-profits to enhance the built environment through the Design Workshop,” said Joel Towers, executive dean of Parsons. “Our partnership with Parks and Recreation represents an important step in furthering the work of this studio, and creating work that improves the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.”
http://blogs.newschool.edu/news/2012/10/splash-house-brings-new-life-public-pool/
St. John Fisher College
Service-Learning Gets Permanent Home at Fisher
Six years ago, two service scholars saw a gap in course offerings and approached faculty about the notion of implementing service-learning (SL) into the curriculum. Faculty agreed, and quickly went to work, securing a three-year Learn and Serve Grant to support a new Community-Based Service-Learning Program (CBSL). Last year, a total of 37 course sections with 30 faculty integrated SL in the Schools of Arts and Science, Education, and Business with 617 students and 50 community partners. The issues on which students focused their work and projects included economic development, education and youth, housing and senior care, and environment and health.
Due to the program’s success and increasing popularity among students, the College approved a fully funded Center for SL and Experiential Learning Support and named Dr. Lynn Donahue the full-time program director in May 2012.
Over the past few years, Fisher’s CBSL program has successfully provided new SL opportunities across the College in core and major requirements, supported applied learning opportunities for students, and met the needs in the Rochester community.
“By extending the classroom into the community, service-learning reaffirms and broadly institutionalizes service as an essential component of Fisher’s mission, values, and goals,” said Donahue.
During the fall semester, there are a total of 25 SL courses, with 400 students enrolled. The students have been hard at work with a variety of community partners since September.
An International Experience, Locally
Dr. Francisco Plata, Assistant Professor of Spanish, is teaching Conversational Spanish and Stylistics and Translation. Both courses are designed to incorporate SL by helping Fisher students enhance their Spanish skills in both communication and collaboration, and increase their understanding of diverse cultures and communities through engagement with students from the Rochester Early College International High School (RECIHS).
A total of 10 students in Plata’s classes have been engaging in Spanish conversation with RECIHS students including discussions about Spanish culture, college readiness, and the differences between high school and college. On October 18, students Sarah Machin and Chelsea Spain led 18 RECIHS students on a campus tour and Spanish translational activity.
On November 8, Plata’s students facilitated conversations on college readiness with the high school students here at Fisher. They also participated in visits and conversations with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs, the Writing Center, and Lavery Library.
Turning Caffeine into Profit
Marketing students have been working all semester acting as consultants to a variety of small businesses in the Rochester area whose budgets limit their marketing capabilities. Martin Key, Assistant Professor of Marketing, has been teaching 18 students in Internet Marketing, a SL course teaching students how to consult clients by enhancing their company’s social media and web presence, as well as incorporating search engine strategies.In the course, students learned to assess website and social media design, content, and structure so they could make recommendations to clients that would optimize their digital presence and marketing efforts. This semester, one of the business partners was Joe Bean Coffee Roaster in Rochester.
The owners of Joe Bean are working with students to identify ways for them to promote their website, use social media more effectively and efficiently, and use other online tools to build brand awareness and loyalty. Students started by researching retail coffee roasting and ways they could target a younger demographic with their product.
Matt Ulakovic ’14, a communication/journalism major, who is also minoring in digital cultures and technologies and marketing, refers to the class as “interesting and hands-on.”
“I like that we've been able to pair up with such a trendy and hip coffee bar, and I've really enjoyed being able to apply the lessons from class to the actual business world,” he said.
Kathy Turiano, owner of Joe Bean, said she thinks the efforts the students have made will help with her business.
“It is good to have a team of young people give their impression of our website, Facebook page, and other marketing efforts. Often times, small businesses do not have the opportunity to hear feedback on their marketing efforts, which is essential to help us improve,” she said. “The meetings have been amazing, and the students have done significant research on our behalf. I am looking forward to their conclusions and presentations."
Social Change Through Service with Sojourner House
Lee Chase, Adjunct Faculty, teaches Social Change Through Service – a stand alone course centered on SL itself. In this course, students reflect on local, national, and international social issues that directly impact the clients they serve. This semester, students worked with women helped by the Sojourner House in Rochester. Through reflection journals, papers, and class discussions, students in this course learn about the connections between the service and the course content.
Throughout the semester, they have run a series of Friday afternoon life skills workshops for women who are in transition at the house. The workshops included sessions on stress management, yoga, computer literacy, and moral reasoning. After each session was complete, students served and shared a meal with the women in the program to reflect on what they all learned.
Kaylee Hamlin ’13, a history major who is minoring in peace and social justice, said she had a lot of misconceptions about the women at the Sojourner House and that the women, in turn, had misconceptions about the students. Once the two groups got to know each other better, Hamlin said the experience has gone very smoothly and the groups have learned from each other.
“I love to teach, so I have really enjoyed planning the workshops and getting the women's input on what they want us to teach them,” said Hamlin. “Working with these women has taught me so much, and inspired me to be a better person. I have always loved to volunteer and help others, but the course has really helped me figure out how I want to leave my mark on this world.”
Service-Learning Gets Permanent Home at Fisher
Six years ago, two service scholars saw a gap in course offerings and approached faculty about the notion of implementing service-learning (SL) into the curriculum. Faculty agreed, and quickly went to work, securing a three-year Learn and Serve Grant to support a new Community-Based Service-Learning Program (CBSL). Last year, a total of 37 course sections with 30 faculty integrated SL in the Schools of Arts and Science, Education, and Business with 617 students and 50 community partners. The issues on which students focused their work and projects included economic development, education and youth, housing and senior care, and environment and health.
Due to the program’s success and increasing popularity among students, the College approved a fully funded Center for SL and Experiential Learning Support and named Dr. Lynn Donahue the full-time program director in May 2012.
Over the past few years, Fisher’s CBSL program has successfully provided new SL opportunities across the College in core and major requirements, supported applied learning opportunities for students, and met the needs in the Rochester community.
“By extending the classroom into the community, service-learning reaffirms and broadly institutionalizes service as an essential component of Fisher’s mission, values, and goals,” said Donahue.
During the fall semester, there are a total of 25 SL courses, with 400 students enrolled. The students have been hard at work with a variety of community partners since September.
An International Experience, Locally
Dr. Francisco Plata, Assistant Professor of Spanish, is teaching Conversational Spanish and Stylistics and Translation. Both courses are designed to incorporate SL by helping Fisher students enhance their Spanish skills in both communication and collaboration, and increase their understanding of diverse cultures and communities through engagement with students from the Rochester Early College International High School (RECIHS).
A total of 10 students in Plata’s classes have been engaging in Spanish conversation with RECIHS students including discussions about Spanish culture, college readiness, and the differences between high school and college. On October 18, students Sarah Machin and Chelsea Spain led 18 RECIHS students on a campus tour and Spanish translational activity.
On November 8, Plata’s students facilitated conversations on college readiness with the high school students here at Fisher. They also participated in visits and conversations with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs, the Writing Center, and Lavery Library.
Turning Caffeine into Profit
Marketing students have been working all semester acting as consultants to a variety of small businesses in the Rochester area whose budgets limit their marketing capabilities. Martin Key, Assistant Professor of Marketing, has been teaching 18 students in Internet Marketing, a SL course teaching students how to consult clients by enhancing their company’s social media and web presence, as well as incorporating search engine strategies.In the course, students learned to assess website and social media design, content, and structure so they could make recommendations to clients that would optimize their digital presence and marketing efforts. This semester, one of the business partners was Joe Bean Coffee Roaster in Rochester.
The owners of Joe Bean are working with students to identify ways for them to promote their website, use social media more effectively and efficiently, and use other online tools to build brand awareness and loyalty. Students started by researching retail coffee roasting and ways they could target a younger demographic with their product.
Matt Ulakovic ’14, a communication/journalism major, who is also minoring in digital cultures and technologies and marketing, refers to the class as “interesting and hands-on.”
“I like that we've been able to pair up with such a trendy and hip coffee bar, and I've really enjoyed being able to apply the lessons from class to the actual business world,” he said.
Kathy Turiano, owner of Joe Bean, said she thinks the efforts the students have made will help with her business.
“It is good to have a team of young people give their impression of our website, Facebook page, and other marketing efforts. Often times, small businesses do not have the opportunity to hear feedback on their marketing efforts, which is essential to help us improve,” she said. “The meetings have been amazing, and the students have done significant research on our behalf. I am looking forward to their conclusions and presentations."
Social Change Through Service with Sojourner House
Lee Chase, Adjunct Faculty, teaches Social Change Through Service – a stand alone course centered on SL itself. In this course, students reflect on local, national, and international social issues that directly impact the clients they serve. This semester, students worked with women helped by the Sojourner House in Rochester. Through reflection journals, papers, and class discussions, students in this course learn about the connections between the service and the course content.
Throughout the semester, they have run a series of Friday afternoon life skills workshops for women who are in transition at the house. The workshops included sessions on stress management, yoga, computer literacy, and moral reasoning. After each session was complete, students served and shared a meal with the women in the program to reflect on what they all learned.
Kaylee Hamlin ’13, a history major who is minoring in peace and social justice, said she had a lot of misconceptions about the women at the Sojourner House and that the women, in turn, had misconceptions about the students. Once the two groups got to know each other better, Hamlin said the experience has gone very smoothly and the groups have learned from each other.
“I love to teach, so I have really enjoyed planning the workshops and getting the women's input on what they want us to teach them,” said Hamlin. “Working with these women has taught me so much, and inspired me to be a better person. I have always loved to volunteer and help others, but the course has really helped me figure out how I want to leave my mark on this world.”
Alfred State College
Thirty-seven Alfred State students, faculty and staff traveled to SUNY College at Old Westbury on Long Island last Thursday, Nov. 8, to spend the weekend helping the college recover from storm damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.
“We are very grateful for the hard work that Alfred State students provided to help us through this challenging time,” said Dr. ML Langlie, Vice President for Student Affairs, SUNY College at Old Westbury. “The fact that students from another SUNY college reached out to us at this time is especially meaningful and much appreciated.”
Led by Heavy Equipment Operations Assistant Professor Mark Payne, the students helped clean-up downed trees across campus which were blocking roads and creating hazardous conditions. “The fact that we came with our own equipment and a team of highly skilled volunteers meant that we were able to make an immediate and significant difference at a critical time,” said Payne.
Alfred State’s Director of Civic Engagement Jonathan Hilsher says Alfred State plans to mobilize additional relief efforts for others impacted by Hurricane Sandy over the next several months, as long as clean-up from the devastating storm continues. Students who participated in the relief effort were from both the Alfred and Wellsville campuses representing a diversity of programs and majors. “Our students have the practical skills that are necessary for a job like this as well as a strong inclination to provide much needed community service,” added Hilsher.
Wellsville resident Roy Gay donated his tractor trailer to make the trip with students while the Otis Eastern Co. and Greater Southern Tier BOCES each loaned equipment and tools. Other supplies were donated by K-Mart, Walmart, Giant, and L.C. Whitford Co. Students were accompanied by faculty and staff Jack Jones, Building Trades instructor; Dennis Conrad, Automotive Trades instructor; and Steve Jakobi, associate professor Physical & Life Sciences.
“Instilling a strong sense of civic engagement in students is a central tenet of an Alfred State education,” said Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Chief of Police Greg Sammons, noting that Alfred students also responded with a similar relief effort last year in Binghamton following Hurricane Irene. “When there’s a community need, our students are ready, willing, and able to get the job done.”
Thirty-seven Alfred State students, faculty and staff traveled to SUNY College at Old Westbury on Long Island last Thursday, Nov. 8, to spend the weekend helping the college recover from storm damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.
“We are very grateful for the hard work that Alfred State students provided to help us through this challenging time,” said Dr. ML Langlie, Vice President for Student Affairs, SUNY College at Old Westbury. “The fact that students from another SUNY college reached out to us at this time is especially meaningful and much appreciated.”
Led by Heavy Equipment Operations Assistant Professor Mark Payne, the students helped clean-up downed trees across campus which were blocking roads and creating hazardous conditions. “The fact that we came with our own equipment and a team of highly skilled volunteers meant that we were able to make an immediate and significant difference at a critical time,” said Payne.
Alfred State’s Director of Civic Engagement Jonathan Hilsher says Alfred State plans to mobilize additional relief efforts for others impacted by Hurricane Sandy over the next several months, as long as clean-up from the devastating storm continues. Students who participated in the relief effort were from both the Alfred and Wellsville campuses representing a diversity of programs and majors. “Our students have the practical skills that are necessary for a job like this as well as a strong inclination to provide much needed community service,” added Hilsher.
Wellsville resident Roy Gay donated his tractor trailer to make the trip with students while the Otis Eastern Co. and Greater Southern Tier BOCES each loaned equipment and tools. Other supplies were donated by K-Mart, Walmart, Giant, and L.C. Whitford Co. Students were accompanied by faculty and staff Jack Jones, Building Trades instructor; Dennis Conrad, Automotive Trades instructor; and Steve Jakobi, associate professor Physical & Life Sciences.
“Instilling a strong sense of civic engagement in students is a central tenet of an Alfred State education,” said Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Chief of Police Greg Sammons, noting that Alfred students also responded with a similar relief effort last year in Binghamton following Hurricane Irene. “When there’s a community need, our students are ready, willing, and able to get the job done.”
Thirty-seven Alfred State students & faculty recently traveled to SUNY Old Westbury on Long Island to assist with clean-up efforts on the campus following Hurricane Sandy.
Onondaga Community College
Many children all over the world will have a happier Christmas this year because of the collaboration between Onondaga Community College and Mohawk Valley Community College. Faculty members at both colleges are gathering small gifts that will fit in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Dr. Barbara Scantlebury began collecting gifts with her students at MVCC and brought M. Lee Berg on board when she joined the MVCC nursing faculty. Now that Lee has moved on to OCC the collaboration continues with faculty and students at both colleges working together for this wonderful cause.
On November 1st, Lee Berg at OCC did her part by hosting a Christmas in November party to accept donations for operation Christmas Child. Many people have heard about Operation Christmas Child and know that they collect shoe boxes filled with small toys, gifts, candy, and hygiene items to be delivered to children from over 130 countries at Christmas. Having a party with a small Christmas tree, music, and food was a fun way to encourage nursing students and nursing faculty to enjoy a relaxed moment to socialize and bring a gift for a child in need.
The generosity of the Onondaga Community College Nursing Department was incredible. Many who participated came with a bag or large box full of gifts. Lee Berg had a car load full of gifts at the end of the day and gifts are still arriving on an almost daily basis.
The gifts from the OCC nursing department have been delivered to Barb Scantlebury at MVCC who continues to collect gifts from faculty and students and is working on packing up the shoeboxes. Merry Christmas everyone; let’s all find a way to share the joy of the season with others this year.
Many children all over the world will have a happier Christmas this year because of the collaboration between Onondaga Community College and Mohawk Valley Community College. Faculty members at both colleges are gathering small gifts that will fit in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Dr. Barbara Scantlebury began collecting gifts with her students at MVCC and brought M. Lee Berg on board when she joined the MVCC nursing faculty. Now that Lee has moved on to OCC the collaboration continues with faculty and students at both colleges working together for this wonderful cause.
On November 1st, Lee Berg at OCC did her part by hosting a Christmas in November party to accept donations for operation Christmas Child. Many people have heard about Operation Christmas Child and know that they collect shoe boxes filled with small toys, gifts, candy, and hygiene items to be delivered to children from over 130 countries at Christmas. Having a party with a small Christmas tree, music, and food was a fun way to encourage nursing students and nursing faculty to enjoy a relaxed moment to socialize and bring a gift for a child in need.
The generosity of the Onondaga Community College Nursing Department was incredible. Many who participated came with a bag or large box full of gifts. Lee Berg had a car load full of gifts at the end of the day and gifts are still arriving on an almost daily basis.
The gifts from the OCC nursing department have been delivered to Barb Scantlebury at MVCC who continues to collect gifts from faculty and students and is working on packing up the shoeboxes. Merry Christmas everyone; let’s all find a way to share the joy of the season with others this year.
Long Island University
Chris Williams, Associate Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, at Long Island University Brooklyn says that the LIU Votes project is making a widespread effort to get 100% of eligible students registered to vote. Student volunteers are practicing civic engagement by running registration drives and making voting information easily accessible to their peers. LIU efforts don’t stop at registration, and aim to educate and inform their voters. Students and faculty are collaborating to host lectures, forums, and debates that explore a wide array of important topics. On October 2, LIU Votes and the Division for Student Success will co-host the lecture, “LIU Votes: The Presidential Race” which will address topics of student interest such as the economy and student loans.
LIU is also looking forward to an upcoming Emancipation Proclamation exhibit. The historical document will be on display to the public on October 15 and 16, alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Emancipation Proclamation Centennial Commemoration Speech of 1962. Students can stay informed about activities through LIU Votes Facebook and Twitter pages, which both promote the busy schedule of events preceding the election.
Chris Williams, Associate Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, at Long Island University Brooklyn says that the LIU Votes project is making a widespread effort to get 100% of eligible students registered to vote. Student volunteers are practicing civic engagement by running registration drives and making voting information easily accessible to their peers. LIU efforts don’t stop at registration, and aim to educate and inform their voters. Students and faculty are collaborating to host lectures, forums, and debates that explore a wide array of important topics. On October 2, LIU Votes and the Division for Student Success will co-host the lecture, “LIU Votes: The Presidential Race” which will address topics of student interest such as the economy and student loans.
LIU is also looking forward to an upcoming Emancipation Proclamation exhibit. The historical document will be on display to the public on October 15 and 16, alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Emancipation Proclamation Centennial Commemoration Speech of 1962. Students can stay informed about activities through LIU Votes Facebook and Twitter pages, which both promote the busy schedule of events preceding the election.
Buffalo State College
The Buffalo State College Volunteer and Service-Learning Center (VSLC) was one of the 2011-2012 NYCC Education Award Program (EAP) recipients, and recruited 17 students to participate in one of three program options beginning in January 2012. The VSLC’s program provides structured training prior to the start of service, and meets bi-weekly with participants to provide opportunities for reflection, professional development, and collaborative projects among members. The EAP program at Buffalo State has been very successful thus far, with one participant reporting “this experience has helped me change my understanding of local issues in many ways, from learning how the Buffalo community deals with immigrants and refugees to how we are supporting our youths in dangerous neighborhoods”.
The Buffalo State EAP program has three areas of service: community service work study (CSWS) positions, education volunteer positions, and community service internships. CSWS positions provide support for community organization partners through direct support of emergency preparedness, community revitalization, and youth development while additionally recruiting and supporting volunteer and service-learning initiatives at the organization. Education volunteer members are connected to Buffalo State’s new Community Academic Center (CAC) and provide
help and afterschool supports with existing VSLC community partners, while additionally recruiting and supporting volunteer and service-learning connections. Community Service Internships meet organizational needs while providing students direct experience with not-for-profit organizations and apply capstone learning experiences while understanding the role of community and civic engagement.
The EAP program is currently partnering with 15 community organizations, schools, and afterschool programs throughout the city of Buffalo. Partners have reported positive outcomes of this new opportunity. Ontario Street United Methodist Church reported, “Our student has been instrumental in shaping and managing the new afterschool program. At times her high level of motivation and enthusiasm have motivated me to keep going in the face of challenges with the new program.”
The VSLC had been looking for new ways to engage students in civic leadership development, and was thrilled at the opportunity to offer the NYCC EAP program on campus. The EAP program provides that extra bit of recognition and financial incentive that help students make a deeper leap into service, and has been an excellent opportunity for Buffalo State students to connect to the communities surrounding Buffalo State.
The Buffalo State College Volunteer and Service-Learning Center (VSLC) was one of the 2011-2012 NYCC Education Award Program (EAP) recipients, and recruited 17 students to participate in one of three program options beginning in January 2012. The VSLC’s program provides structured training prior to the start of service, and meets bi-weekly with participants to provide opportunities for reflection, professional development, and collaborative projects among members. The EAP program at Buffalo State has been very successful thus far, with one participant reporting “this experience has helped me change my understanding of local issues in many ways, from learning how the Buffalo community deals with immigrants and refugees to how we are supporting our youths in dangerous neighborhoods”.
The Buffalo State EAP program has three areas of service: community service work study (CSWS) positions, education volunteer positions, and community service internships. CSWS positions provide support for community organization partners through direct support of emergency preparedness, community revitalization, and youth development while additionally recruiting and supporting volunteer and service-learning initiatives at the organization. Education volunteer members are connected to Buffalo State’s new Community Academic Center (CAC) and provide
help and afterschool supports with existing VSLC community partners, while additionally recruiting and supporting volunteer and service-learning connections. Community Service Internships meet organizational needs while providing students direct experience with not-for-profit organizations and apply capstone learning experiences while understanding the role of community and civic engagement.
The EAP program is currently partnering with 15 community organizations, schools, and afterschool programs throughout the city of Buffalo. Partners have reported positive outcomes of this new opportunity. Ontario Street United Methodist Church reported, “Our student has been instrumental in shaping and managing the new afterschool program. At times her high level of motivation and enthusiasm have motivated me to keep going in the face of challenges with the new program.”
The VSLC had been looking for new ways to engage students in civic leadership development, and was thrilled at the opportunity to offer the NYCC EAP program on campus. The EAP program provides that extra bit of recognition and financial incentive that help students make a deeper leap into service, and has been an excellent opportunity for Buffalo State students to connect to the communities surrounding Buffalo State.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
As part of a collaborative effort between Hobart and William Smith Colleges, NYCC AmeriCorps and local organizations, HWS students will provide a historic 3,000 hours of service to non-profit agencies in Geneva this summer. Ten students, each of whom will work 300 hours this summer, will serve at a variety of local agencies such as the Rural Migrant Ministries, Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, Happiness House and the Smith Opera House.
"This opportunity is mutually beneficial to students and the community. It is an opportunity which allows students to start or build upon relationships they've built during the academic year with local non-profit agency leaders, while also furthering the capacity and outreach abilities of those agencies," explains Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning Katie Flowers.
Participants this year include: Jarrid Blades '12, Michael Brown '12, Katherine Burgos '12, Karah Charrette '14, Chelsea Encababian '14, Rachel Hinnenkamp '13, Jessica Lynn '14, Christian Martinez '13, Allauna Overstreet-Gibson '14 and Megan Soule '15.
"I wanted to blend my love of volunteerism and education, and work on the Geneva 2020 initiative with the Geneva School District. Additionally, this opportunity will provide me with a service-learning experience that will help me get into Syracuse University law school," says Blades.
While many, like Blades, will embark on new projects, Charette chose to continue her work with disabled children through Happiness House, where she will work under the supervision of Christine Shultz.
"Having previously worked with disabled girls at a dance studio in my hometown, I have experience working with people who have an array of disabilities, and I believe it is a great learning experience in both acceptance and compassion," explains Charette, a double major in biology and dance. "I hope to grow from this opportunity and allow it to shape who I become later on in life. I feel that it is important for me to give back to the Geneva community and I wanted to lend a hand, if only for a little while, to those who dedicate their lives to helping others every day."
Some students hope to take the experience garnered through this opportunity and apply it to an international community.
"Next summer, I want to work with a non-profit in developing and getting schools running abroad," says Soule, a double major in sociology and media and society, who will work this summer under the supervision of Robert Smith, assistant principal at Geneva High School. "My experience working in the Geneva School District will give me a substantial background to build upon."
The other students will work with the Geneva Business Improvement District, the Rural & Migrant Ministry, Geneva Community Lakefront Playground, Montezuma Audubon Center and the Geneva Neighborhood Resource Center.
This Hobart and William Smith initiative is part of the national movement called "Students in Service," which began in 1997. It has as its goals "to foster civic engagement among higher education students, promote the National Service movement, and encourage positive relationships between campuses and communities." The Hobart and William Smith students will join approximately 350 other college students from across the country.
The students' housing and salary is paid by Geneva Partnership funding made possible by the Office of the President. In addition, the students will also receive a $1,100 AmeriCorps award which will be matched up to $1,000 by HWS if applied towards tuition. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are among only 92 colleges to match AmeriCorps awards.
For more information about the education awards and on-campus community service, visit http://www.nycampuscompact.org/ andhttp://www.hws.edu/academics/service/<http://www.hws.edu/academics/service
As part of a collaborative effort between Hobart and William Smith Colleges, NYCC AmeriCorps and local organizations, HWS students will provide a historic 3,000 hours of service to non-profit agencies in Geneva this summer. Ten students, each of whom will work 300 hours this summer, will serve at a variety of local agencies such as the Rural Migrant Ministries, Boys and Girls Club of Geneva, Happiness House and the Smith Opera House.
"This opportunity is mutually beneficial to students and the community. It is an opportunity which allows students to start or build upon relationships they've built during the academic year with local non-profit agency leaders, while also furthering the capacity and outreach abilities of those agencies," explains Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning Katie Flowers.
Participants this year include: Jarrid Blades '12, Michael Brown '12, Katherine Burgos '12, Karah Charrette '14, Chelsea Encababian '14, Rachel Hinnenkamp '13, Jessica Lynn '14, Christian Martinez '13, Allauna Overstreet-Gibson '14 and Megan Soule '15.
"I wanted to blend my love of volunteerism and education, and work on the Geneva 2020 initiative with the Geneva School District. Additionally, this opportunity will provide me with a service-learning experience that will help me get into Syracuse University law school," says Blades.
While many, like Blades, will embark on new projects, Charette chose to continue her work with disabled children through Happiness House, where she will work under the supervision of Christine Shultz.
"Having previously worked with disabled girls at a dance studio in my hometown, I have experience working with people who have an array of disabilities, and I believe it is a great learning experience in both acceptance and compassion," explains Charette, a double major in biology and dance. "I hope to grow from this opportunity and allow it to shape who I become later on in life. I feel that it is important for me to give back to the Geneva community and I wanted to lend a hand, if only for a little while, to those who dedicate their lives to helping others every day."
Some students hope to take the experience garnered through this opportunity and apply it to an international community.
"Next summer, I want to work with a non-profit in developing and getting schools running abroad," says Soule, a double major in sociology and media and society, who will work this summer under the supervision of Robert Smith, assistant principal at Geneva High School. "My experience working in the Geneva School District will give me a substantial background to build upon."
The other students will work with the Geneva Business Improvement District, the Rural & Migrant Ministry, Geneva Community Lakefront Playground, Montezuma Audubon Center and the Geneva Neighborhood Resource Center.
This Hobart and William Smith initiative is part of the national movement called "Students in Service," which began in 1997. It has as its goals "to foster civic engagement among higher education students, promote the National Service movement, and encourage positive relationships between campuses and communities." The Hobart and William Smith students will join approximately 350 other college students from across the country.
The students' housing and salary is paid by Geneva Partnership funding made possible by the Office of the President. In addition, the students will also receive a $1,100 AmeriCorps award which will be matched up to $1,000 by HWS if applied towards tuition. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are among only 92 colleges to match AmeriCorps awards.
For more information about the education awards and on-campus community service, visit http://www.nycampuscompact.org/ andhttp://www.hws.edu/academics/service/<http://www.hws.edu/academics/service
Berkeley College
A virtual trip home to Puerto Rico via Google Maps brought a smile to the face of a New York City nursing home resident and opened the door for lively conversation, thanks to a program partnership between Berkeley College and the Jewish Home Lifecare (JHL) nursing home in Manhattan.
Students enrolled in the Berkeley College Academic Service Learning (ASL) course entitled “Issues in Contemporary Health”teamed with the Activities Department of JHL to use iPads to enhance the lives of nursing home residents.
“The iPad is very light and compact, and easy to use. Its use provided stimulation and built new relationships, giving the residents an out-of-the ordinary experience,” said John Zanetich, PhD, Health Services Administration, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies, who taught the ASL course.
Residents’ Worlds Expand
Miriam Levi, Director of Community Life Activities at Jewish Home Lifecare, is excited at the results of the ASL study.
“Berkeley College students really opened our eyes to how residents can benefit from the use of iPads,” Ms. Levi said. “Before the study we were unsure of how exactly the iPads would impact the elders that we serve.”
The ASL students discovered that most of the selected group of nursing home residents with whom they worked waseager to use the iPads. The residents enjoyed zooming in on familiar neighborhoods via Google Maps, and listening to books through the Interactive Reader. In addition to recreational use, the healthcare students recommended using the iPad for therapeutic, medical and social purposes in the nursing home environment.
“We hope in the future to receive more donations of iPads that our Therapeutic Recreation Staff can use with residents on each unit,” Ms. Levi said.
Social Aspect Impacts Lives of Students as Well as Residents
Nursing home residents weren’t the only ones to benefit from the ASL study. Students’ lives were also impacted.
“I met a wonderful 90-year-old lady who loved visiting her grandson’s Facebook page and looking at his photos,” said Nancy Veliz, who is pursuing a Health Services Management degree at Berkeley College, New York City. “She told me stories about her life. It was really interesting – like listening to a book.”
Joanna Jara, who also is enrolled in the Health Services Management program, found the ASL project very rewarding.
“The residents were fascinated with the iPads,” Ms. Jara said. “One lady, who is 89, wanted to use the iPad to connect with her best friend in upstate New York. I set her up with an e-mail address, and they exchanged messages and photos. It was so nice to see that.”
A virtual trip home to Puerto Rico via Google Maps brought a smile to the face of a New York City nursing home resident and opened the door for lively conversation, thanks to a program partnership between Berkeley College and the Jewish Home Lifecare (JHL) nursing home in Manhattan.
Students enrolled in the Berkeley College Academic Service Learning (ASL) course entitled “Issues in Contemporary Health”teamed with the Activities Department of JHL to use iPads to enhance the lives of nursing home residents.
“The iPad is very light and compact, and easy to use. Its use provided stimulation and built new relationships, giving the residents an out-of-the ordinary experience,” said John Zanetich, PhD, Health Services Administration, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies, who taught the ASL course.
Residents’ Worlds Expand
Miriam Levi, Director of Community Life Activities at Jewish Home Lifecare, is excited at the results of the ASL study.
“Berkeley College students really opened our eyes to how residents can benefit from the use of iPads,” Ms. Levi said. “Before the study we were unsure of how exactly the iPads would impact the elders that we serve.”
The ASL students discovered that most of the selected group of nursing home residents with whom they worked waseager to use the iPads. The residents enjoyed zooming in on familiar neighborhoods via Google Maps, and listening to books through the Interactive Reader. In addition to recreational use, the healthcare students recommended using the iPad for therapeutic, medical and social purposes in the nursing home environment.
“We hope in the future to receive more donations of iPads that our Therapeutic Recreation Staff can use with residents on each unit,” Ms. Levi said.
Social Aspect Impacts Lives of Students as Well as Residents
Nursing home residents weren’t the only ones to benefit from the ASL study. Students’ lives were also impacted.
“I met a wonderful 90-year-old lady who loved visiting her grandson’s Facebook page and looking at his photos,” said Nancy Veliz, who is pursuing a Health Services Management degree at Berkeley College, New York City. “She told me stories about her life. It was really interesting – like listening to a book.”
Joanna Jara, who also is enrolled in the Health Services Management program, found the ASL project very rewarding.
“The residents were fascinated with the iPads,” Ms. Jara said. “One lady, who is 89, wanted to use the iPad to connect with her best friend in upstate New York. I set her up with an e-mail address, and they exchanged messages and photos. It was so nice to see that.”
Buffalo State College Sociologist,
Dr. Gary Welborn, Finalist for Prestigious National Award
Dr. Gary Welborn was named one of four national finalists for the prestigious Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award. Self-described as having “one foot in the community and one foot on the campus,” Welborn brings over 20 years as a community activist to his role as a faculty member at Buffalo State College. His record of accomplishments is impressive. His community organizing efforts in his neighborhood on the West Side of Buffalo during the early 1990s laid the foundation for a successful 1998 grant application for a Community Outreach Partnership Center grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The COPC grant supported faculty community-based research projects and student internships and served to increase the legitimacy of community engagement on campus.
In 2003 Welborn received a Learn and Serve grant from the Corporation for National & Community Service to establish the College’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC). The grant supported faculty to convert existing courses to service-learning and then implement those courses. Since 2003 Welborn has mentored over 80 faculty members as Community Service Faculty Fellows. Now every semester Buffalo State College’s VSLC places 900 – 1000 students who are enrolled in over 30 courses.
Dr. Dennis Ponton, Provost at Buffalo State College, says of Welborn’s work, “The passion and commitment Dr. Welborn brings to campus-community interactions has, in the past fifteen years or so, changed the culture and nature of Buffalo State…Dr. Welborn’s community work has been a consistent catalyst for other faculty research, scholarship, and service… [and] a major reason that the College has also begun broader discussions on the concepts of community and civic engagement.”
Welborn simply describes his work to build a robust community-college relationship as a “calling.”
Congratulations Dr. Welborn! New York Campus Compact is proud of your work!
The Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award recognizes one senior faculty member (post-tenure or middle-to-late career at institutions without tenure) each year. Honorees (who must be affiliated with a Campus Compact member institution) are recognized for exemplary engaged scholarship, including leadership in advancing students’ civic learning, conducting community-based research, fostering reciprocal community partnerships, building institutional commitments to service-learning and civic engagement, and other means of enhancing higher education’s contributions to the public good. The award — previously known as the Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning — is named in honor of Thomas Ehrlich, former chair of the Campus Compact board of directors and president emeritus of Indiana University.
The 2012 Ehrlich Award recipient is Dr. Andrew Furco, University of Minnesota
The other national finalists are:
Peter Bortolotti, Johnson & Wales University (RI)
Associate Professor of Marketing
Gabriel Garcia, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine (CA)
Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions
Stephen (Steve) Philion, St. Cloud State University (MN)
Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
Director of the Saint Cloud State University Faculty Research Group on Immigrant Workers in Minnesota
Dr. Gary Welborn, Finalist for Prestigious National Award
Dr. Gary Welborn was named one of four national finalists for the prestigious Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award. Self-described as having “one foot in the community and one foot on the campus,” Welborn brings over 20 years as a community activist to his role as a faculty member at Buffalo State College. His record of accomplishments is impressive. His community organizing efforts in his neighborhood on the West Side of Buffalo during the early 1990s laid the foundation for a successful 1998 grant application for a Community Outreach Partnership Center grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The COPC grant supported faculty community-based research projects and student internships and served to increase the legitimacy of community engagement on campus.
In 2003 Welborn received a Learn and Serve grant from the Corporation for National & Community Service to establish the College’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center (VSLC). The grant supported faculty to convert existing courses to service-learning and then implement those courses. Since 2003 Welborn has mentored over 80 faculty members as Community Service Faculty Fellows. Now every semester Buffalo State College’s VSLC places 900 – 1000 students who are enrolled in over 30 courses.
Dr. Dennis Ponton, Provost at Buffalo State College, says of Welborn’s work, “The passion and commitment Dr. Welborn brings to campus-community interactions has, in the past fifteen years or so, changed the culture and nature of Buffalo State…Dr. Welborn’s community work has been a consistent catalyst for other faculty research, scholarship, and service… [and] a major reason that the College has also begun broader discussions on the concepts of community and civic engagement.”
Welborn simply describes his work to build a robust community-college relationship as a “calling.”
Congratulations Dr. Welborn! New York Campus Compact is proud of your work!
The Thomas Ehrlich Civically Engaged Faculty Award recognizes one senior faculty member (post-tenure or middle-to-late career at institutions without tenure) each year. Honorees (who must be affiliated with a Campus Compact member institution) are recognized for exemplary engaged scholarship, including leadership in advancing students’ civic learning, conducting community-based research, fostering reciprocal community partnerships, building institutional commitments to service-learning and civic engagement, and other means of enhancing higher education’s contributions to the public good. The award — previously known as the Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning — is named in honor of Thomas Ehrlich, former chair of the Campus Compact board of directors and president emeritus of Indiana University.
The 2012 Ehrlich Award recipient is Dr. Andrew Furco, University of Minnesota
The other national finalists are:
Peter Bortolotti, Johnson & Wales University (RI)
Associate Professor of Marketing
Gabriel Garcia, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine (CA)
Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions
Stephen (Steve) Philion, St. Cloud State University (MN)
Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
Director of the Saint Cloud State University Faculty Research Group on Immigrant Workers in Minnesota
Le Moyne College
With support from a CNCS Martin Luther King Jr., Mini-Grant, Le Moyne College, Onondaga Community College and Cazenovia College hosted “Celebration of Hope: An Evening of Inspiration to Benefit the Ariang Priomary School in the Republic of South Sudan.” The event, which attracted over 100 attendees, raised $3,635 and generated 425 cards and letters of support and encouragement for the 400 children enrolled at the school which was founded by Le Moyne and Onondaga alumnus Gabriel Bol Deng, who arrived in Syracuse in 2000 as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.
Celebration of Hope, was the culminating event in a CNCS supported Semester of Service at Le Moyne. The event included a keynote address by Mr. Deng, African craft fair, and multi-campus card and letter writing project called Letters of Hope.
Leading up to the event, students from Le Moyne, Onondaga, and Cazenovia participated in service projects and fundraising for the Hope for Ariang Foundation to provide school supplies, uniforms, and food for the children as they endure a devastating drought in the region. The letter-writing project at Le Moyne attracted 55 students who wrote messages in English and Dinka, the native language of Ariang, to the school’s children. We also collaborated with a local elementary school where children learned about South Sudan and wrote letters to their peers in Ariang.
Concurrent with these projects, Prof. Diane Zigo, Le Moyne Department of Education, led a service-learning project in her course “Literacy Development in the Content Area,” in which students created textbooks and lesson plans for the Ariang School where many of the teachers do not have formal training. By creating these lesson plans, Dr. Zigo’s students provided critical resources for both students and faculty for many years to come. The textbooks also provided enhanced cultural sensitivity for Le Moyne students, many of whom will teach in the highly diverse Syracuse public school system which serves high numbers of refugees who come through the city’s two refugee resettlement programs.
This event had both local and international impacts raising not only funds, but awareness and action on the part of Central New Yorkers working together for peace and social justice.
The College of Saint Rose
The College of Saint Rose Percussion Ensemble
Whoosh whoosh whoosh…the sound of a bullroarer -a percussion instrument designed to emulate the wind- reverberates off the walls of the concert hall. Eyes light up throughout the auditorium as a marimba and drums add African-inspired music to the mix. Everyone is transfixed: young, old, black, brown…every age, every skin color, every walk of life…all here, brought together by a common cause, captivated by the pulsating performance in front of them, fully aware of the diverse and delightful array of culture within this capital community.
On Friday, April 13th, 2012, AmeriCorps*VISTA Carolyn Stallard hosted a community event called “Rhythms for RISSE”. RISSE, the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, is a non-profit organization that helps refugees adapt to life in New York’s capital region. Carolyn, a New York Campus Compact VISTA working out of the College of Saint Rose, came up with the idea for the event as a solution to several conundrums: 1) RISSE is a fairly new, grassroots organization lacking funding and publicity; 2) Albany is a hub for refugees and immigrants, but few people know they’re here…yet alone why; 3) Carolyn is a percussionist with a degree in Music Education, and therefore wants to find ways to combine her passions for music and refugee advocacy.
With all those issues in mind, a world music benefit concert seemed like the perfect solution. Open to all community members, “Rhythms for RISSE” began with a silent auction in the lobby of the Massry Center for the Arts, the College of Saint Rose music building. Student volunteers stood behind tables displaying over $2,000 worth of donations, watching as community members wrote down bids for each item. A table near the front displayed information on the RISSE program, while two elementary students at the doors of the concert hall collected donations and handed out programs as people made their way into the auditorium.
At 7 PM, the concert began. After an introduction by Rifat Filkins, the director of RISSE, the Saint Rose percussion ensemble kicked off with a rousing, rhythmic piece called “Tusk!”. This was followed by an oral story from the Muslim tradition, shared by a high school student from the local “Children at the Well” interfaith storytelling group. Next, a bassoon and piano duo performed “Yapurai”, the national song of Kazakhstan. Throughout the night, other Saint Rose students performed African marimba music, a tango suite, some hand drumming, and even a beautiful piano piece composed and performed by a young woman from Taiwan, who successfully expressed her personal frustrations moving to America through the music. A local Rwandan dance group performed a traditional East African dance, a Pakistani recorder player shared traditional Indian flute music, and two more storytellers shared Islamic and North Indian folk tales. To end the show, Carolyn performed a final African marimba piece before sending everyone into the lobby for a dessert reception…and some traditional American apple pie.
All in all “Rhythms for RISSE” was a huge success, with a total of over $3,000 having been raised for RISSE. As a result of the event, many community members are now aware of the refugees and immigrants living here in the Capital District, and many are interested in furthering their support of RISSE. Carolyn is pleased that so many different people came together for this cause, and she plans on organizing more refugee advocacy events in the future. Keep an eye out for the second annual “Rhythms for RISSE” event next Spring!
On Friday, April 13th, 2012, AmeriCorps*VISTA Carolyn Stallard hosted a community event called “Rhythms for RISSE”. RISSE, the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, is a non-profit organization that helps refugees adapt to life in New York’s capital region. Carolyn, a New York Campus Compact VISTA working out of the College of Saint Rose, came up with the idea for the event as a solution to several conundrums: 1) RISSE is a fairly new, grassroots organization lacking funding and publicity; 2) Albany is a hub for refugees and immigrants, but few people know they’re here…yet alone why; 3) Carolyn is a percussionist with a degree in Music Education, and therefore wants to find ways to combine her passions for music and refugee advocacy.
With all those issues in mind, a world music benefit concert seemed like the perfect solution. Open to all community members, “Rhythms for RISSE” began with a silent auction in the lobby of the Massry Center for the Arts, the College of Saint Rose music building. Student volunteers stood behind tables displaying over $2,000 worth of donations, watching as community members wrote down bids for each item. A table near the front displayed information on the RISSE program, while two elementary students at the doors of the concert hall collected donations and handed out programs as people made their way into the auditorium.
At 7 PM, the concert began. After an introduction by Rifat Filkins, the director of RISSE, the Saint Rose percussion ensemble kicked off with a rousing, rhythmic piece called “Tusk!”. This was followed by an oral story from the Muslim tradition, shared by a high school student from the local “Children at the Well” interfaith storytelling group. Next, a bassoon and piano duo performed “Yapurai”, the national song of Kazakhstan. Throughout the night, other Saint Rose students performed African marimba music, a tango suite, some hand drumming, and even a beautiful piano piece composed and performed by a young woman from Taiwan, who successfully expressed her personal frustrations moving to America through the music. A local Rwandan dance group performed a traditional East African dance, a Pakistani recorder player shared traditional Indian flute music, and two more storytellers shared Islamic and North Indian folk tales. To end the show, Carolyn performed a final African marimba piece before sending everyone into the lobby for a dessert reception…and some traditional American apple pie.
All in all “Rhythms for RISSE” was a huge success, with a total of over $3,000 having been raised for RISSE. As a result of the event, many community members are now aware of the refugees and immigrants living here in the Capital District, and many are interested in furthering their support of RISSE. Carolyn is pleased that so many different people came together for this cause, and she plans on organizing more refugee advocacy events in the future. Keep an eye out for the second annual “Rhythms for RISSE” event next Spring!
Sarah Lawrence College
Iglesia Scholars is a club and student led initiative that provides a Saturday enrichment program with a unique pedagogical twist. The program, which targets children aged K-5 from a predominately low-income neighborhood of Yonkers, attempts to imbue participants with a love for learning by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and engage in a variety of activities in science, music and arts education. The Scholars program takes place at Iglesia de San Andres, a church, community center, and longstanding partner of the Sarah Lawrence College’s Office of Community Partnerships. Every year the office sends students to participate in various volunteer opportunities at San Andres. Whether it is weekly after-school tutoring, occasional one-time volunteer work like painting walls, or service learning, SLC students do their best to support the staff of Iglesia de San Andres in providing its community with necessary resources.
The Scholars program began during the 2011 spring semester with that very goal in mind, to provide the San Andres community with additional resources. Co-founder Rui Gui stumbled upon the idea for a Saturday enrichment program with four classmates in a child developmental psychology class at Sarah Lawrence College. Gui and her fellow psychology students found that some programs were academically focused but too narrow and tightly scheduled to allow for children’s free play. Other after-school programs were loosely structured, encouraging free expression, yet at the same time uninformative. The five classmates hoped to create something that would share all the cognitive and social benefits of an academically inclined after-school program without the constraints of adhering to a curriculum previously dictated by local public school districts. The pilot program, for children grades 1-6, was a success and the Scholars program continued in the fall of 2011 when Sharon Holiner joined Gui in expanding the program, opening it up to new participants and facilitators.
For the last two semesters, Gui and Sharon have led a group of five to seven student facilitators in designing and implementing a unique two-hour enrichment experience for approximately twenty program attendees. Each weekly program session revolves around a different theme – for example outer space or deep sea adventure – and includes large and small group instruction, free outdoor play, music, art, literacy, and sometimes science experiments. One of their sessions, held on March 10th, used the theme “Measurements” and had the children making homemade play dough, measuring each other’s heights and weights using empty milk jugs and other household items, and clapping in time to the beat of classical music. Gui and Sharon take on a more administrative role, overseeing the facilitators as they are encouraged to engage one-on-one with the children. Since Scholars first began a year ago, interest from both the San Andres and Sarah Lawrence communities has grown exponentially. Participants and administrators on both ends of the partnership alike have described it as a success, and the children look forward to each weekly program.
Iglesia Scholars is a club and student led initiative that provides a Saturday enrichment program with a unique pedagogical twist. The program, which targets children aged K-5 from a predominately low-income neighborhood of Yonkers, attempts to imbue participants with a love for learning by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and engage in a variety of activities in science, music and arts education. The Scholars program takes place at Iglesia de San Andres, a church, community center, and longstanding partner of the Sarah Lawrence College’s Office of Community Partnerships. Every year the office sends students to participate in various volunteer opportunities at San Andres. Whether it is weekly after-school tutoring, occasional one-time volunteer work like painting walls, or service learning, SLC students do their best to support the staff of Iglesia de San Andres in providing its community with necessary resources.
The Scholars program began during the 2011 spring semester with that very goal in mind, to provide the San Andres community with additional resources. Co-founder Rui Gui stumbled upon the idea for a Saturday enrichment program with four classmates in a child developmental psychology class at Sarah Lawrence College. Gui and her fellow psychology students found that some programs were academically focused but too narrow and tightly scheduled to allow for children’s free play. Other after-school programs were loosely structured, encouraging free expression, yet at the same time uninformative. The five classmates hoped to create something that would share all the cognitive and social benefits of an academically inclined after-school program without the constraints of adhering to a curriculum previously dictated by local public school districts. The pilot program, for children grades 1-6, was a success and the Scholars program continued in the fall of 2011 when Sharon Holiner joined Gui in expanding the program, opening it up to new participants and facilitators.
For the last two semesters, Gui and Sharon have led a group of five to seven student facilitators in designing and implementing a unique two-hour enrichment experience for approximately twenty program attendees. Each weekly program session revolves around a different theme – for example outer space or deep sea adventure – and includes large and small group instruction, free outdoor play, music, art, literacy, and sometimes science experiments. One of their sessions, held on March 10th, used the theme “Measurements” and had the children making homemade play dough, measuring each other’s heights and weights using empty milk jugs and other household items, and clapping in time to the beat of classical music. Gui and Sharon take on a more administrative role, overseeing the facilitators as they are encouraged to engage one-on-one with the children. Since Scholars first began a year ago, interest from both the San Andres and Sarah Lawrence communities has grown exponentially. Participants and administrators on both ends of the partnership alike have described it as a success, and the children look forward to each weekly program.
Cornell University
A group of Cornell undergraduates are assembling and donating low-cost science kits to aid impoverished children in Haiti, hoping to inspire a love of learning and to strengthen the country's future. If the project succeeds, similar kits could be used as educational tools for developing nations in post-disaster recovery around the world.
Members of the Pre-professional Association Toward Careers in Health (PATCH), a student group sponsored by the College of Human Ecology, packaged 60 kits -- with such items as plastic test tubes, jump ropes, colorful inflatable balls, air pumps and stopwatches -- at a banquet attended by some 200 students April 6.
With the help of the disaster relief organization Humanity First, which awarded PATCH $2,000, the supplies will be bound for fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms at a school near Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.
Sharjeel Chaudhry '13, a human biology, health and society major and PATCH co-president, and a committee of 10 other students developed the plan after hearing of Haiti's dire state following the 2010 earthquake. "We wanted to help the kids ... who pretty much lost everything, by developing their interests in health and the sciences," said Chaudhry, who will deliver the kits this summer with two other Cornell students.
The kits contain photo illustrations for basic experiments and are designed to be reusable. Rather than give textbooks, the PATCH members favored supplies that would spur hands-on learning. Chaudhry said, "The goal is to trigger intellectual curiosity."
The kits are designed to supplement traditional classroom instruction, with lessons in fundamental areas of biology, physics and health that link scientific concepts to relevant national issues in Haiti. For instance, PATCH members created an experiment on how environmental conditions affect seed growth and plant life to educate the children about deforestation, a concern in Haiti. Another lesson involves assessing cardiovascular health, where the students would measure pulse and breathing in response to physical activity.
Spreading a passion for science through community service is one of the objectives of PATCH, an organization open to all Cornell undergraduates. It provides support, advising, programming and networking opportunities, and it fosters close connections between faculty members and students to enrich the student experience.
In addition to the science kits, PATCH regularly assists Loaves and Fishes, a local soup kitchen, where members offer nutrition talks and weekly medical checkups.
Emily Lopes '13, human biology, health and society major and PATCH co-president, finds she often applies concepts from anatomy, nutrition and other classes at the Loaves and Fishes health screenings.
"What you learn in class that day you can apply in your presentations," she said.
As PATCH continues to aid students in premedical preparation, it balances career planning and service through its work. "Our members aren't just doing PATCH as a resume builder," said Chaudhry, "they are doing things for the purpose of community service -- for the purpose of their love for humanity."
The Haiti project was also supported by two $500 grants from the Human Ecology Alumni Association. PATCH welcomes additional donations for the project, which the students hope to expand for next year.
A group of Cornell undergraduates are assembling and donating low-cost science kits to aid impoverished children in Haiti, hoping to inspire a love of learning and to strengthen the country's future. If the project succeeds, similar kits could be used as educational tools for developing nations in post-disaster recovery around the world.
Members of the Pre-professional Association Toward Careers in Health (PATCH), a student group sponsored by the College of Human Ecology, packaged 60 kits -- with such items as plastic test tubes, jump ropes, colorful inflatable balls, air pumps and stopwatches -- at a banquet attended by some 200 students April 6.
With the help of the disaster relief organization Humanity First, which awarded PATCH $2,000, the supplies will be bound for fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms at a school near Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.
Sharjeel Chaudhry '13, a human biology, health and society major and PATCH co-president, and a committee of 10 other students developed the plan after hearing of Haiti's dire state following the 2010 earthquake. "We wanted to help the kids ... who pretty much lost everything, by developing their interests in health and the sciences," said Chaudhry, who will deliver the kits this summer with two other Cornell students.
The kits contain photo illustrations for basic experiments and are designed to be reusable. Rather than give textbooks, the PATCH members favored supplies that would spur hands-on learning. Chaudhry said, "The goal is to trigger intellectual curiosity."
The kits are designed to supplement traditional classroom instruction, with lessons in fundamental areas of biology, physics and health that link scientific concepts to relevant national issues in Haiti. For instance, PATCH members created an experiment on how environmental conditions affect seed growth and plant life to educate the children about deforestation, a concern in Haiti. Another lesson involves assessing cardiovascular health, where the students would measure pulse and breathing in response to physical activity.
Spreading a passion for science through community service is one of the objectives of PATCH, an organization open to all Cornell undergraduates. It provides support, advising, programming and networking opportunities, and it fosters close connections between faculty members and students to enrich the student experience.
In addition to the science kits, PATCH regularly assists Loaves and Fishes, a local soup kitchen, where members offer nutrition talks and weekly medical checkups.
Emily Lopes '13, human biology, health and society major and PATCH co-president, finds she often applies concepts from anatomy, nutrition and other classes at the Loaves and Fishes health screenings.
"What you learn in class that day you can apply in your presentations," she said.
As PATCH continues to aid students in premedical preparation, it balances career planning and service through its work. "Our members aren't just doing PATCH as a resume builder," said Chaudhry, "they are doing things for the purpose of community service -- for the purpose of their love for humanity."
The Haiti project was also supported by two $500 grants from the Human Ecology Alumni Association. PATCH welcomes additional donations for the project, which the students hope to expand for next year.
Alfred State College
Project-based learning is a cornerstone of the Alfred State culture. When students tackle real-world problems, they learn how to think, not what to think. They can also engage in meaningful civic engagement developing solutions to ongoing community challenges.
A recent example took place in Apalachin, NY from March 11-16. Mark Payne, assistant professor, Heavy Equipment Operations, led a group of eight students during their spring break to engage in stream remediation. The team utilized heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and an articulated truck to redirect the Apalachin Creek stream bed and create a berm that will better control any future flooding. The group invested long hours each day to ensure the work would be completed by the end of the week. Thankfully, all benefited by having Culinary Arts instructor, Brian Decker, prepare excellent meals on site to keep up the energy level and enthusiasm!
This trip was the fourth relief team Professor Payne has organized with the Heavy Equipment Club to assist this region of New York after the historic flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. The first team served in the Schoharie area to clear debris. The second team worked with the Owego -Apalachin school district to rehabilitate a drainage system to mitigate future flooding. The third team began the work on the Apalachin Creek as well as rehabilitated a local cemetery at the request of Senator Tom Libous’ office. This fourth team sought to move beyond cleanup to provide a solution at Apalachin Creek that would mitigate and redirect future floods from having such a devastating impact in the future.
This project was made possible not only through the initiative, expertise, and service of this team, but also through the collaboration and support of corporate, non-profit, and local/state government agency partners. Right down the road, Binghamton University again was a valuable partner by providing housing and parking options to the group throughout the week. Monroe Tractor donated the trucking of a bulldozer, excavator, wheel loader and an articulated dump truck to this project. And, LeChase Construction LLC working with ZMK Construction donated another bulldozer to the cause. Exaktime also donated time tracking software to allow the students to log and manage their time on the project. Finally, the team worked very closely with Tioga Soil County and Water and the Upper Susquehanna River Coalition to identify the need for stream remediation and develop a clear plan to fix this ongoing community challenge.
Students have taken on leadership roles gaining valuable experience in logistical organization, project planning, collaboration, and real world experience on heavy equipment. Local residents have expressed their appreciation that their property and lives are now safer through the efforts of this team. And, all stakeholders appreciate the value of coming together to develop solutions to local challenges. The expectation is that future efforts will continue to leverage these strong partnerships to create solutions in communities that continue to recover from the flood damage.
You can see a video that includes interviews and footage by visiting the following feature by Twin Tiers CW 2 or Fox 40 WICZ.
Project-based learning is a cornerstone of the Alfred State culture. When students tackle real-world problems, they learn how to think, not what to think. They can also engage in meaningful civic engagement developing solutions to ongoing community challenges.
A recent example took place in Apalachin, NY from March 11-16. Mark Payne, assistant professor, Heavy Equipment Operations, led a group of eight students during their spring break to engage in stream remediation. The team utilized heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and an articulated truck to redirect the Apalachin Creek stream bed and create a berm that will better control any future flooding. The group invested long hours each day to ensure the work would be completed by the end of the week. Thankfully, all benefited by having Culinary Arts instructor, Brian Decker, prepare excellent meals on site to keep up the energy level and enthusiasm!
This trip was the fourth relief team Professor Payne has organized with the Heavy Equipment Club to assist this region of New York after the historic flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. The first team served in the Schoharie area to clear debris. The second team worked with the Owego -Apalachin school district to rehabilitate a drainage system to mitigate future flooding. The third team began the work on the Apalachin Creek as well as rehabilitated a local cemetery at the request of Senator Tom Libous’ office. This fourth team sought to move beyond cleanup to provide a solution at Apalachin Creek that would mitigate and redirect future floods from having such a devastating impact in the future.
This project was made possible not only through the initiative, expertise, and service of this team, but also through the collaboration and support of corporate, non-profit, and local/state government agency partners. Right down the road, Binghamton University again was a valuable partner by providing housing and parking options to the group throughout the week. Monroe Tractor donated the trucking of a bulldozer, excavator, wheel loader and an articulated dump truck to this project. And, LeChase Construction LLC working with ZMK Construction donated another bulldozer to the cause. Exaktime also donated time tracking software to allow the students to log and manage their time on the project. Finally, the team worked very closely with Tioga Soil County and Water and the Upper Susquehanna River Coalition to identify the need for stream remediation and develop a clear plan to fix this ongoing community challenge.
Students have taken on leadership roles gaining valuable experience in logistical organization, project planning, collaboration, and real world experience on heavy equipment. Local residents have expressed their appreciation that their property and lives are now safer through the efforts of this team. And, all stakeholders appreciate the value of coming together to develop solutions to local challenges. The expectation is that future efforts will continue to leverage these strong partnerships to create solutions in communities that continue to recover from the flood damage.
You can see a video that includes interviews and footage by visiting the following feature by Twin Tiers CW 2 or Fox 40 WICZ.
St. John Fisher College
The music could be heard from outside of the Student Life Center on Friday and Saturday, and the love poured out from inside as over 350 students, faculty, alumni, staff, and Camp Good Days and Special Times’ campers and families kept their feet moving during the 30th Annual Teddi Dance for Love.
The dance, which is the longest-standing student tradition at the College, raised a total of $45,330.30 for Camp Good Days. This year’s event was led by Kayla Valentino, chair, and Danielle Allington, co-chair, along with a full committee.
From One Hit Wonder Hour to Bieber Fever Hour, the 24 hours were packed with a mix of live performances, Jazzercise, Karaoke, and more to keep the crowd on their feet. The event also included another Locks of Love donation, with a big reveal session. In total, students donated over 1,305 inches of hair to the organization.
Towards the end of the 24 hours, Valentino welcomed the family of J’Lon Woody, for whom the dance was dedicated this year. He passed away last November at the young age of 11, but left indelible impressions on so many at Camp Good Days, and on so many Fisher students who had the chance to meet him. His sister, Ashley, made some brief remarks on behalf of his family.
“As we all know, cancer can be a struggle. We found out that it not only affects the person, but it can affect the family,” she said. “We went on the journey with my brother, and he taught us all that no matter what, stay strong and keep your faith in God. For those of you who knew J’lon, when you think of him, please remember that no matter what you are going through, no matter what the situation may be, nothing is ever too tough for God. Keep your head up and keep praying.”
After a brief video presentation, his family led dance participants outside to hold a silent balloon launch before coming back for the final hour.
During the closing ceremony, students were joined by Dr. Donald Bain and Gary Mervis, the founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times. And as a special treat, Lou Buttino, former professor and author of For The Love of Teddi: The Story Behind Camp Good Days and Special Times, joined the closing ceremony. It was Buttino who started the dance marathon at Fisher 30 years ago.
“This is one of the most spectacular events I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said. “This event has been going on for 30 years, and the Teddi light has scattered all over the country. Remember that light you have inside of you, and expand it throughout your life, take it with you wherever you go.”
Dr. Bain reflected on his conversations with alumni all over the country about their fondest memories of Fisher. He said the Teddi Dance always rises to the top of their lists.
“What you’ve done for these remarkable boys and girls of Camp Good Days is a wonderful and noble thing,” he said. “To me, all of you represent what’s noble. You are a selfless group of young men and women. You have my profound gratitude, and my sincere respect.”
Mervis addressed the dancers right before the final total was announced.
“When you get to be my age, you realize that the most important things in the world are not always titles, the kind of car you drive, what type of house you live in, or the size of your paycheck,” he said. “You realize it’s the memories that you make in your life. And I promise you, the memories you made over these past 24 hours - what you did for love - will be something that you carry with you for the rest of your lives.”
The music could be heard from outside of the Student Life Center on Friday and Saturday, and the love poured out from inside as over 350 students, faculty, alumni, staff, and Camp Good Days and Special Times’ campers and families kept their feet moving during the 30th Annual Teddi Dance for Love.
The dance, which is the longest-standing student tradition at the College, raised a total of $45,330.30 for Camp Good Days. This year’s event was led by Kayla Valentino, chair, and Danielle Allington, co-chair, along with a full committee.
From One Hit Wonder Hour to Bieber Fever Hour, the 24 hours were packed with a mix of live performances, Jazzercise, Karaoke, and more to keep the crowd on their feet. The event also included another Locks of Love donation, with a big reveal session. In total, students donated over 1,305 inches of hair to the organization.
Towards the end of the 24 hours, Valentino welcomed the family of J’Lon Woody, for whom the dance was dedicated this year. He passed away last November at the young age of 11, but left indelible impressions on so many at Camp Good Days, and on so many Fisher students who had the chance to meet him. His sister, Ashley, made some brief remarks on behalf of his family.
“As we all know, cancer can be a struggle. We found out that it not only affects the person, but it can affect the family,” she said. “We went on the journey with my brother, and he taught us all that no matter what, stay strong and keep your faith in God. For those of you who knew J’lon, when you think of him, please remember that no matter what you are going through, no matter what the situation may be, nothing is ever too tough for God. Keep your head up and keep praying.”
After a brief video presentation, his family led dance participants outside to hold a silent balloon launch before coming back for the final hour.
During the closing ceremony, students were joined by Dr. Donald Bain and Gary Mervis, the founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times. And as a special treat, Lou Buttino, former professor and author of For The Love of Teddi: The Story Behind Camp Good Days and Special Times, joined the closing ceremony. It was Buttino who started the dance marathon at Fisher 30 years ago.
“This is one of the most spectacular events I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said. “This event has been going on for 30 years, and the Teddi light has scattered all over the country. Remember that light you have inside of you, and expand it throughout your life, take it with you wherever you go.”
Dr. Bain reflected on his conversations with alumni all over the country about their fondest memories of Fisher. He said the Teddi Dance always rises to the top of their lists.
“What you’ve done for these remarkable boys and girls of Camp Good Days is a wonderful and noble thing,” he said. “To me, all of you represent what’s noble. You are a selfless group of young men and women. You have my profound gratitude, and my sincere respect.”
Mervis addressed the dancers right before the final total was announced.
“When you get to be my age, you realize that the most important things in the world are not always titles, the kind of car you drive, what type of house you live in, or the size of your paycheck,” he said. “You realize it’s the memories that you make in your life. And I promise you, the memories you made over these past 24 hours - what you did for love - will be something that you carry with you for the rest of your lives.”
Nazareth College Named a Finalist in the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
Nazareth College is one of 14 finalists nationally for the Presidential Award.
Nazareth College has a historical and ongoing commitment to serving the community as well as creating real-world educational opportunities for its students. In 2012, Nazareth College received the Finalist designation in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll as one of the top community service-focused institutions in the country! Since its inception in 2006, the College has been named to this prestigious Honor Roll, twice making the "With Distinction" category.
As Daan Braveman, President of Nazareth College, states: “Civic engagement is a pillar of the Nazareth education, and working to better the community around us starts as soon as our students arrive. We want our students to leave here with the understanding that they can continue to make a real difference in the world their children will inherit.” Nazareth graduates students “to make a difference in their own world and the world around them, and encourages them to develop the understanding, commitment, and confidence to lead fully informed and actively engaged lives.”
At Nazareth, community service and civic engagement are based on partnerships that are reciprocal and mutually beneficial where all involved share resources and responsibilities as co-educators, co-learners, and co-generators of knowledge through the achievement of mutually determined interdependent outcomes.
The Honor Roll recognizes Nazareth’s dedication to early childhood education through the Special Focus Area. Nazareth chose to highlight three separate sites for the three required essays as part of this category. Two of the sites highlighted are a part of the 15 sites that make up the Partners for Learning and Partners for Serving programs. The other program that was highlighted, the Teacher Opportunity Corps, lies within the School of Education.
The College shows their institutional commitment to service in the following ways: for the past 20 years the College has designated a day of service for all first-year students as part of their fall orientation, the College manages liability associated with service placements, providing and coordinating transportation to most sites; offers site-based courses in the community; funds community members to co-teach service learning courses; considers service formally in admissions process and awards service scholarships; offers courses on activism/advocacy; provides funding/mini-grants for civic engagement efforts; awards sabbaticals for faculty to publish on scholarship of engagement; hosts and funds public dialogues on current issues; provides physical space for student political organizations on campus.
Nazareth College has been and will always be deeply committed to service.
2,898 students out of 3,258 FTE students are engaged in community service
588,267 students’ community service hours
$12.6M*dollar value of community service*The estimated dollar value of volunteer time for 2010 is $21.36 per hour according to the Independent Sector
Nazareth College is one of 14 finalists nationally for the Presidential Award.
Nazareth College has a historical and ongoing commitment to serving the community as well as creating real-world educational opportunities for its students. In 2012, Nazareth College received the Finalist designation in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll as one of the top community service-focused institutions in the country! Since its inception in 2006, the College has been named to this prestigious Honor Roll, twice making the "With Distinction" category.
As Daan Braveman, President of Nazareth College, states: “Civic engagement is a pillar of the Nazareth education, and working to better the community around us starts as soon as our students arrive. We want our students to leave here with the understanding that they can continue to make a real difference in the world their children will inherit.” Nazareth graduates students “to make a difference in their own world and the world around them, and encourages them to develop the understanding, commitment, and confidence to lead fully informed and actively engaged lives.”
At Nazareth, community service and civic engagement are based on partnerships that are reciprocal and mutually beneficial where all involved share resources and responsibilities as co-educators, co-learners, and co-generators of knowledge through the achievement of mutually determined interdependent outcomes.
The Honor Roll recognizes Nazareth’s dedication to early childhood education through the Special Focus Area. Nazareth chose to highlight three separate sites for the three required essays as part of this category. Two of the sites highlighted are a part of the 15 sites that make up the Partners for Learning and Partners for Serving programs. The other program that was highlighted, the Teacher Opportunity Corps, lies within the School of Education.
The College shows their institutional commitment to service in the following ways: for the past 20 years the College has designated a day of service for all first-year students as part of their fall orientation, the College manages liability associated with service placements, providing and coordinating transportation to most sites; offers site-based courses in the community; funds community members to co-teach service learning courses; considers service formally in admissions process and awards service scholarships; offers courses on activism/advocacy; provides funding/mini-grants for civic engagement efforts; awards sabbaticals for faculty to publish on scholarship of engagement; hosts and funds public dialogues on current issues; provides physical space for student political organizations on campus.
Nazareth College has been and will always be deeply committed to service.
2,898 students out of 3,258 FTE students are engaged in community service
588,267 students’ community service hours
$12.6M*dollar value of community service*The estimated dollar value of volunteer time for 2010 is $21.36 per hour according to the Independent Sector
2012 NYS Newman Civic Fellows
Congratulations to the 2012 New York State Newman Civic Fellows
The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building a better world.
Congratulations to the 2012 New York State Newman Civic Fellows
The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building a better world.
- Fellow Elizabeth Stoltz, 2013, Ithaca College, nominated by President Thomas Rochon
- Fellow Hallie Greenberg, 2013, Bard College, nominated by President Leon Botstein
- Fellow Raphael Durand, 2013, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, nominated by President Mark Gearan
- Fellow Karim Abouelnaga, 2013, Cornell University, nominated by President David Skorton
- Fellow Akosuah Agyei, 2012, The College of New Rochelle, nominated by President Judith Huntington
- Fellow Anna Graves, 2014, Skidmore College, nominated by President Philip Glotzbach
- Fellow Kevin Ferreira, 2013, Wagner College, nominated by President Richard Guarasci
Mathew Johnson at Siena College
Governor Andrew Cuomo has given Mathew Johnson, Ph.D., Director of Academic Community Engagement, and Associate Professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies at Siena College, a two-year appointment to the New York State Commission on National and Community Service.
The New York State Commission on National and Community Service seeks to build and reinforce a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility so as to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The Commission is supported by New Yorkers Volunteer and the State Office of National and Community Service. It is responsible for coordinating and implementing the State's service and civic engagement plan.
Johnson was chosen for this appointment because of his strong background and leadership in building sustainable community service partnerships in higher education and because he provides an academic resource to the state's service and volunteer communities. The Commission collaborates with local, state and national volunteer agencies, government and other public and private entities to promote volunteering and community service as proven methods to solve problems in our local communities.
Congratulations Mathew!!
Governor Andrew Cuomo has given Mathew Johnson, Ph.D., Director of Academic Community Engagement, and Associate Professor of Sociology and Environmental Studies at Siena College, a two-year appointment to the New York State Commission on National and Community Service.
The New York State Commission on National and Community Service seeks to build and reinforce a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility so as to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The Commission is supported by New Yorkers Volunteer and the State Office of National and Community Service. It is responsible for coordinating and implementing the State's service and civic engagement plan.
Johnson was chosen for this appointment because of his strong background and leadership in building sustainable community service partnerships in higher education and because he provides an academic resource to the state's service and volunteer communities. The Commission collaborates with local, state and national volunteer agencies, government and other public and private entities to promote volunteering and community service as proven methods to solve problems in our local communities.
Congratulations Mathew!!
Binghamton University
Submitted by: Allison Alden, Director, Center for Civic Engagement, Binghamton University
The flooding in the Southern Tier in early September was devastating to tens of thousands of families, businesses, nonprofits, and public properties. Binghamton University’s staff, faculty, and students stepped up to provide help during the immediate response, as well as with longer term recovery efforts. Over 1,000 students and almost 100 faculty and staff were present to provide support to displaced families at the emergency shelter set up in Binghamton University’s (BU) Events Center. They helped serve food, set up cots, distributed bedding, provided entertainment, consoled people, played with children, and stayed up nights with people too upset to sleep.
Throughout the following months, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) at Binghamton University served to coordinate flood recovery activities. First, CCE launched a flood recovery website that contained numerous ways people could support flood victims from both on-campus, as well as in the community. Special flood recovery e-newsletter editions were distributed to thousands on campus. CCE worked with dozens of student groups, academic departments, and offices to set up fund-raisers and resource drives to replace the clothes, food, toys, coats and other items lost to flood waters.
Probably the greatest challenge that faced area residents was the mud sludge that filled their basements—destroying their furnaces and other appliances. Every weekend for two months, teams of students worked with local churches to “mud out” the homes of people unable to do so themselves. Students provided assistance with debris removal, de-molding, power washing, shoveling mud, and other activities. Then in late October, about 70 students from BU, SUNY Albany and SUNY Cortland jointly participated in a clean-up initiative that served the communities of Binghamton, Johnson City, Conklin, and Endicott. In addition to the efforts coordinated through CCE, many student groups organized their own home cleaning projects.
By the end of September, a two-credit service-learning internship course was launched to help students make sense of the community catastrophe. “Community in Recovery: Southern Tier NY After the Flood of September 2011” was very quickly filled to its 50 slot capacity (with more petitioning to get in). The course combined a series of six seminars on topics related to the crisis and response with opportunities for students to provide direct service to the local community. BU faculty shared their expertise and research findings to help frame the issues from a variety of different disciplines. Community professionals and responders spoke about the disaster within the local context. Each student completed at least 30 hours of service spread across three areas: cleaning out the homes of individuals or families, assisting a local nonprofit or community group with their flood recovery work, and engaging in some sort of resource drive or fund raiser to assist flood victims. Students reflected on the new information and their experiences through discussions, short response papers, and a reflective personal essay at the end of the course. Many reported that this was a life-altering experience.
Although the waters have receded, the flood recovery work in Brome County still goes on. The CCE is currently establishing Flood Recovery Student Assistance Teams (thanks to the Education Assistance Program support from NY Campus Compact and Americorps). Thirty students will supervise teams of three to five other students each to work on flood recovery projects within the community. These will include rebuilding/repairing individual homes, repairing local parks and playing fields, and working with nonprofits that have also been impacted by the flood. Finally, the CCE is organizing an Alternative Spring Break for BU students who wish to remain in Binghamton during their spring break in early April to help with flood recovery efforts.
Through the coordinating efforts of the Center for Civic Engagement, Binghamton University responded immediately when our community was devastated by a natural disaster. We are pleased that our staff, students, and faculty were present and ready to assist when our community needed us most.
Submitted by: Allison Alden, Director, Center for Civic Engagement, Binghamton University
The flooding in the Southern Tier in early September was devastating to tens of thousands of families, businesses, nonprofits, and public properties. Binghamton University’s staff, faculty, and students stepped up to provide help during the immediate response, as well as with longer term recovery efforts. Over 1,000 students and almost 100 faculty and staff were present to provide support to displaced families at the emergency shelter set up in Binghamton University’s (BU) Events Center. They helped serve food, set up cots, distributed bedding, provided entertainment, consoled people, played with children, and stayed up nights with people too upset to sleep.
Throughout the following months, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) at Binghamton University served to coordinate flood recovery activities. First, CCE launched a flood recovery website that contained numerous ways people could support flood victims from both on-campus, as well as in the community. Special flood recovery e-newsletter editions were distributed to thousands on campus. CCE worked with dozens of student groups, academic departments, and offices to set up fund-raisers and resource drives to replace the clothes, food, toys, coats and other items lost to flood waters.
Probably the greatest challenge that faced area residents was the mud sludge that filled their basements—destroying their furnaces and other appliances. Every weekend for two months, teams of students worked with local churches to “mud out” the homes of people unable to do so themselves. Students provided assistance with debris removal, de-molding, power washing, shoveling mud, and other activities. Then in late October, about 70 students from BU, SUNY Albany and SUNY Cortland jointly participated in a clean-up initiative that served the communities of Binghamton, Johnson City, Conklin, and Endicott. In addition to the efforts coordinated through CCE, many student groups organized their own home cleaning projects.
By the end of September, a two-credit service-learning internship course was launched to help students make sense of the community catastrophe. “Community in Recovery: Southern Tier NY After the Flood of September 2011” was very quickly filled to its 50 slot capacity (with more petitioning to get in). The course combined a series of six seminars on topics related to the crisis and response with opportunities for students to provide direct service to the local community. BU faculty shared their expertise and research findings to help frame the issues from a variety of different disciplines. Community professionals and responders spoke about the disaster within the local context. Each student completed at least 30 hours of service spread across three areas: cleaning out the homes of individuals or families, assisting a local nonprofit or community group with their flood recovery work, and engaging in some sort of resource drive or fund raiser to assist flood victims. Students reflected on the new information and their experiences through discussions, short response papers, and a reflective personal essay at the end of the course. Many reported that this was a life-altering experience.
Although the waters have receded, the flood recovery work in Brome County still goes on. The CCE is currently establishing Flood Recovery Student Assistance Teams (thanks to the Education Assistance Program support from NY Campus Compact and Americorps). Thirty students will supervise teams of three to five other students each to work on flood recovery projects within the community. These will include rebuilding/repairing individual homes, repairing local parks and playing fields, and working with nonprofits that have also been impacted by the flood. Finally, the CCE is organizing an Alternative Spring Break for BU students who wish to remain in Binghamton during their spring break in early April to help with flood recovery efforts.
Through the coordinating efforts of the Center for Civic Engagement, Binghamton University responded immediately when our community was devastated by a natural disaster. We are pleased that our staff, students, and faculty were present and ready to assist when our community needed us most.
Two Niagara University Students Making Cross-Country Bike Ride to Support Cancer Patients
Although the spring semester began just weeks ago, Vince Schiano and Chris Zukas are already making ambitious summer plans. The Niagara University students, as many of their peers often do, intend to hit the road for the West Coast on Memorial Day.
Only they plan to do it on bicycles. For a good cause.
Schiano and Zukas are hoping to be among the approximately 90 participants of this year’s 4K for Cancer, a philanthropic activity launched in 2001 by a group of students from Johns Hopkins University. Now affiliated with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the event raises funds and provides direct support for cancer patients.
The nonprofit program raised $476,000 last summer.
Aside from collecting donations, participants also support host communities by visiting cancer patients, taking part in community dinners and giving cancer awareness presentations during the cross-country trek.
Entrants can choose to join one of three rides: Baltimore to Seattle, Baltimore to Portland, or Baltimore to San Francisco. Each cyclist is required to raise $4,500 to take the trip, 90 percent of which goes directly to help cancer-affected families pay for hospital bills and afford recovery camps. Funds from the 70-day, 4,000-mile ride are also dedicated to sponsoring scholarships for young adult cancer survivors.
Should they make the cut, Schiano will head to San Francisco while Zukas will travel to Portland.
“Cancer is no stranger to my life,” said Schiano, a junior communication studies major from Gates, N.Y. “After losing two of my grandparents to lung cancer, I had already associated cancer with tragedy since a very young age. To lose what my parents say were the ‘biggest hearted individuals one could ever meet’ leaves me no choice but to charge full speed ahead against cancer.”
Zukas, a senior who serves as president of Niagara University’s Student Government Association (NUSGA), has also had his life touched by the deadly disease.
“When I was a sophomore in high school, my father was diagnosed with cancer,” the Elmira native explained. “I watched the stress and pain it caused him, my family and me. About a year later, on Dec. 23, 2006, my father passed away from the disease. That loss has forever impacted my life. Part of the grieving process for me was to do more in college for those affected by cancer.”
Both students have participated in events like the Relay for Life, which raises funds for cancer research, and Zukas, through his role with NUSGA, has become involved with organizations such as the American Cancer Foundation and the Make-A-Wish and Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundations.
Last spring, NUSGA and the Niagara University community raised over $6,000 to send Logan, a four-year-old boy stricken with leukemia, and his family to Disney World. About an hour before the send-off party, Zukas had the opportunity to show Logan around NU’s campus and chat with him about his upcoming trip. It was during this discussion that Logan told Zukas that he was especially looking forward to bringing back toys from Disney World for his friends at the hospital, a comment that Zukas says “stopped me in my tracks.”
“I was astonished that a four year old in his position was most excited to bring back toys for the other kids affected by cancer,” the marketing major said afterward. “I wrote that comment down and stuck it on my bedroom wall. I look at Logan’s comment every day and try to act more selfless. That is what motivates me to travel across the country working in local communities and raising money to beat cancer.”
Each day, riders bike anywhere from 50-120 miles, a significant challenge that is meant to emulate the struggle of one fighting cancer.
That message will not be lost on Schiano.
“I physically have never been in touch with cancer,” he said. “I don’t know the physical pains of it, nor do I know the true essence of pushing myself beyond my limits. I want to be a part of that new hope, a part of the community that doesn’t back down when the going gets rough. Ultimately, I want to stand for my family, my friends and my community as a warrior against cancer.”
Schiano and Zukas expect to cross paths in Boulder, Colo., before concluding their respective rides the first week in August.
To make a donation on behalf of the Niagara University students, please visit www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/vince-schiano or www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/christopher-zukas.
Although the spring semester began just weeks ago, Vince Schiano and Chris Zukas are already making ambitious summer plans. The Niagara University students, as many of their peers often do, intend to hit the road for the West Coast on Memorial Day.
Only they plan to do it on bicycles. For a good cause.
Schiano and Zukas are hoping to be among the approximately 90 participants of this year’s 4K for Cancer, a philanthropic activity launched in 2001 by a group of students from Johns Hopkins University. Now affiliated with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, the event raises funds and provides direct support for cancer patients.
The nonprofit program raised $476,000 last summer.
Aside from collecting donations, participants also support host communities by visiting cancer patients, taking part in community dinners and giving cancer awareness presentations during the cross-country trek.
Entrants can choose to join one of three rides: Baltimore to Seattle, Baltimore to Portland, or Baltimore to San Francisco. Each cyclist is required to raise $4,500 to take the trip, 90 percent of which goes directly to help cancer-affected families pay for hospital bills and afford recovery camps. Funds from the 70-day, 4,000-mile ride are also dedicated to sponsoring scholarships for young adult cancer survivors.
Should they make the cut, Schiano will head to San Francisco while Zukas will travel to Portland.
“Cancer is no stranger to my life,” said Schiano, a junior communication studies major from Gates, N.Y. “After losing two of my grandparents to lung cancer, I had already associated cancer with tragedy since a very young age. To lose what my parents say were the ‘biggest hearted individuals one could ever meet’ leaves me no choice but to charge full speed ahead against cancer.”
Zukas, a senior who serves as president of Niagara University’s Student Government Association (NUSGA), has also had his life touched by the deadly disease.
“When I was a sophomore in high school, my father was diagnosed with cancer,” the Elmira native explained. “I watched the stress and pain it caused him, my family and me. About a year later, on Dec. 23, 2006, my father passed away from the disease. That loss has forever impacted my life. Part of the grieving process for me was to do more in college for those affected by cancer.”
Both students have participated in events like the Relay for Life, which raises funds for cancer research, and Zukas, through his role with NUSGA, has become involved with organizations such as the American Cancer Foundation and the Make-A-Wish and Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundations.
Last spring, NUSGA and the Niagara University community raised over $6,000 to send Logan, a four-year-old boy stricken with leukemia, and his family to Disney World. About an hour before the send-off party, Zukas had the opportunity to show Logan around NU’s campus and chat with him about his upcoming trip. It was during this discussion that Logan told Zukas that he was especially looking forward to bringing back toys from Disney World for his friends at the hospital, a comment that Zukas says “stopped me in my tracks.”
“I was astonished that a four year old in his position was most excited to bring back toys for the other kids affected by cancer,” the marketing major said afterward. “I wrote that comment down and stuck it on my bedroom wall. I look at Logan’s comment every day and try to act more selfless. That is what motivates me to travel across the country working in local communities and raising money to beat cancer.”
Each day, riders bike anywhere from 50-120 miles, a significant challenge that is meant to emulate the struggle of one fighting cancer.
That message will not be lost on Schiano.
“I physically have never been in touch with cancer,” he said. “I don’t know the physical pains of it, nor do I know the true essence of pushing myself beyond my limits. I want to be a part of that new hope, a part of the community that doesn’t back down when the going gets rough. Ultimately, I want to stand for my family, my friends and my community as a warrior against cancer.”
Schiano and Zukas expect to cross paths in Boulder, Colo., before concluding their respective rides the first week in August.
To make a donation on behalf of the Niagara University students, please visit www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/vince-schiano or www.4kforcancer.org/profiles/christopher-zukas.
Niagara University students Christopher Zukas, left, and Vince Schiano are planning to make a cross-country bike ride this summer in support of cancer patients.
