Denison Magazine
From his first moments on campus Jacob Eppley ’25 has been engaged in community service work at Denison. Therefore, it is fitting that in recognition of his excellence in serving the community, Eppley, a data analytics major and mathematics minor, has been honored with the Charles J. Ping Student Service Award.
The Ohio Campus Compact originates the Ping Award to “recognize and honor undergraduate students for their outstanding leadership and contributions to community service and/or service-learning on their campus and within their community.” Only 13 students from across the state of Ohio received the honor this year.
Even before he stepped into his first classroom, Eppley participated in a first-year early arrival program, the Denison Service Orientation. During that week, he worked with community services organizations that address houselessness, food insecurity, healthcare, youth development, and sustainability.
Eppley’s commitment to service continued into his sophomore year, when he was selected as a Denison Service Orientation Leader for August 2022. In this role, he led a group of 30 incoming first-years, working with community partners to plan service tasks, coordinating service schedules, facilitating reflections with participants regarding service participation, and coordinating transportation for attendees.
Today, Eppley is highly engaged with the student-led community service organization Denison Community Association (DCA). As the Saturday Service Coordinator, he plans weekend community service opportunities for students. These students have been able to work with a variety of community partners including Granville Outreach Soccer Program, Newark Homeless Outreach, Habitat for Humanity, and Together We Grow Gardens.
Eppley’s ability to engage other student groups across campus has contributed to an increase in weekend service participation. Eppley has been effective through his own involvement and has been pivotal in raising overall student’ participation in service events.
Stephanie Dodd, executive director of Ohio Campus Compact said, ”Each outstanding student nominated for this recognition embodies the mission of Ohio Campus Compact by contributing to the civic and community engagement of students on their campuses and active involvement in the community.” She added, “We are impressed by Jacob’s accomplishments.”
March 27, 2023
