The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll has announced that Denison University has been recognized for its estimable community service. The college is one of only 61 institutions of higher education nationwide that has earned the designation of Honor Roll with Distinction for “the extraordinary and exemplary community service contributions of its students, faculty, and staff in meeting critical community and national needs.” In addition, Denison is the only independent college or university in Ohio to gain the “With Distinction” honor.
This year’s designation is based on the community service of students in the Denison Community Association, service learning courses, athletic teams, Greek organizations and Community Service Interns America Reads literacy tutors. Eighty-six percent of Denison students did some form of service last year, during which they contributed nearly 45,000 hours of service. The John W. Alford Center for Service Learning at Denison supports the college’s work in the community. It began through a generous endowment from the Alford Family Foundation in 1997.
“We are pleased to be partners with schools, social service agencies and residents in Licking County,” said Gina Dow, director of the Alford Center. “Our students’ work in the community is extensive and varied – from working as Hospice volunteers, to preparing income tax returns for low-income families, to being a lunch buddy through Big Brothers/Big Sisters for over 150 local children, to recovering over 6,000 pounds of food from the dining hall this year alone. Our students are dedicated, thoughtful and energetic.”
Denison has been acknowledged every year since 2009 for its support of community service programs as a member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor; this is the second time that the college’s recognition has been elevated to the higher classification.
The Corporation for National 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.