WIU Named to Presidential Honor Roll for Community Service
February 9, 2009

MACOMB, IL – It was proven today (Feb. 9) that Western Illinois University students, faculty and staff "walk the walk and talk the talk" when it comes to the University's core value of social responsibility. Western was named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exemplary service efforts.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) recognized Western this morning 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.
"Volunteer activities and service learning is essential to the academic process. Not only do these activities enhance the educational experience for our students, they become active citizens within the community," noted WIU President Al Goldfarb. "The core value of social responsibility should stay with our students long after they graduate. It's an honor that Western was recognized for our community service efforts. Mary Kubasak, assistant director of student activities-volunteer services, is to be commended for ensuring our students have numerous service activities."
In addition to special events, members of Western's All Volunteer Effort (WAVE), coordinated through Volunteer Services, participated each week in such activities as the YMCA's Little Buddies program, social activities at The Elms Nursing Home and other area senior living centers, animal care at the McDonough County Animal Shelter and providing assistance at the Macomb Public Library.
"In this time of economic distress, we need volunteers more than ever. College students represent an enormous pool of idealism and energy to help tackle some of our toughest challenges," said Stephen Goldsmith, vice chair of the CNCS Board of Directors, which oversees the Honor Roll. "We salute Western Illinois University for making community service a campus priority, and thank the millions of college students who are helping to renew America through service to others."
The Honor Roll is a program of the CNCS, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
"We are always looking for volunteers," Kubasak noted. "I encourage all members of the Western community to take a moment out to help others."
For more information on Volunteer Services at WIU, contact Kubasak at (309) 298-3232 or visit student.services.wiu.edu/osa/volunteer.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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