For the fourth year in a row, Bluefield College has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exemplary service efforts.
Sponsored jointly by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the U.S. Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact, and the American Council on Education, the Community Service Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities nationwide that reflect the values of excellent community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.
Honorees for the award are chosen based on the scope and innovativeness of their service projects, the percentage of students participating in service activities, incentives for service, the extent to which service learning is included in the academic curriculum, the school’s commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of service.
“This special recognition is truly meaningful and belongs to the entire campus community for the countless hours given in service and missions last year,” said BC president, Dr. David Olive. “Service is part of our ethos; it defines and distinguishes who we are and is an outgrowth of our Christian commitment to serving others.”
Bluefield College was recognized particularly for “engaging its students, faculty and staff in meaningful service that achieved measurable results in the community.” The school also was acknowledged for its support of volunteerism, service-learning, and civic engagement.
Last year alone, BC students participated in a variety of mission projects at home and abroad, provided tax preparation services to the community, volunteered at local after-school programs, raised money for cancer research, provided meals and canned goods to the needy, helped renovate local dilapidated homes, and hosted dozens of mission groups on campus for ministry and mission projects in the community, among other service endeavors.
“Congratulations to Bluefield College and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities,” said Patrick A. Corvington, chief executive officer of CNCS. “We salute all the Honor Roll awardees for embracing their civic mission and providing opportunities for their students to tackle tough national challenges through service. As the class of 2011 crosses the stage to pick up their diplomas, more and more will be going into the world with a commitment to public service and the knowledge that they can make a difference in their community and their own lives through service to others, thanks to the leadership of these institutions.”
Launched in 2006, the President’s Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service learning, volunteerism, and civic engagement. For a full list of recipients and descriptions of their service, visit www.nationalservice.gov/honorroll.