Syracuse University has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for the 2013-14 academic year, one of only 12 institutions in New York State. The University has been on the Honor Roll with Distinction every year since the award was first created in 2006.
The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships.
The Honor Roll’s Presidential Award is the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement.
This year, Syracuse University was recognized for the work done by the more than 11,000 students who completed close to 500,000 hours of community service through courses, pre-professional practica, academic projects and co-curricular activities during the 2013-14 academic year.
“We are proud to be named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction,” says Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “This honor underscores the many ways that members of the University community make the greater Syracuse community a better place. The relationships that have been built through community service also give our students the chance to engage in distinctive experiences that enhance their Syracuse education.”
The scope of this work included collaboration on entrepreneurial projects; providing multiple kinds of literacy tutoring in schools, community-based organizations and churches; providing legal services to low-income clients; and enhancing civic participation around relevant issues through public scholarship in the arts, humanities and design.
“Our students, faculty and staff are consistently involved in a variety of projects in and with the community every year,” says Pamela Kirwin Heintz, associate vice president for engagement and director of the Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service. “Their efforts are innovative and collaborative, while providing outstanding opportunities for growth and learning.”
The Corp. for National and Community Service has administered the award since 2006 in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education, Campus Compact and the Interfaith Youth Core.
Syracuse University was also named to the Honor Roll in the Education category, which recognizes institutions that have made a commitment to improving educational outcomes for children and youth in pre-kindergarten through undergraduate education. It was also honored in the Economic Opportunity Community Service category, which recognizes institutions with service programs that build economic independence, increase family stability and create more sustainable and resilient communities.
