WIU receives national recognition for community service

Highest federal recognition bestowed for service commitment  

Western Illinois University now has further proof that WIU students, faculty and staff “walk the walk and talk the talk” when it comes to the University’s core value of social responsibility. On Feb. 9, Western was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exemplary service efforts.

Students participate in social activities at The Elms Nursing HomeThe Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) recognized Western at the American Council on Education conference in Washington, D.C. According to the CNCS, the Community Service Honor Roll, which was established in 2006, is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

In 2008 alone, Western’s Volunteer Services sponsored numerous activities including flood relief assistance in Cedar Rapids (IA); participation in the Illinois Campus Compact “Rally For Tomorrow” in Chicago; hosting Make A Difference Day activities; playing Big Pink Volleyball, a breast cancer research fundraiser; and hosting the annual Angel Tree program. In addition, WIU’s Volunteer Services hired an Americorps VISTA worker for the 2008-09 academic year and hosted a Presidential Election Night Party.

Photo: Students participate in social activities at The Elms Nursing Home

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