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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Huntington student asked to serve in governor's office

FOR RELEASE January 11, 2007

Adam Shoemaker helps with clean-up at the Jonquil Hotel in Chicago during the Urban Plunge.

Huntington, Ind.—Indiana’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives recently chose Huntington University junior Adam Shoemaker to serve as a youth member.

Shoemaker will review grant proposals and approve proposals for funding, approve policies which govern the AmeriCorps grants in Indiana as well as support and encourage volunteerism and service throughout Indiana, said Paula Parker-Sawyers, executive director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

“I am studying not-for-profit management, so this seemed like a great way to learn more about non-profit organizations in the state,” Shoemaker said. “I hope to educate myself about the organizations in our state that seek to serve others and make contributions to the decision-making process of the board.”

Shoemaker, of Sheridan, Ind., serves as the program coordinator for Huntington University’s Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service.

“The JMC has helped prepare me for this role by putting me in an administrative position regarding service,” Shoemaker said. “This has helped me to see the other side of volunteering. I had done volunteer work before, but being a part of the JMC has helped me to see all that goes into making that work possible and how to go about getting new people involved.”

Youth members must be 18 to 25 years-old. Shoemaker’s position began Dec. 5 and requires a three-year commitment. Meetings will be held in Indianapolis, and Shoemaker will be required to attend five to six gatherings annually. 

After learning about Huntington University and the Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service, a member of the governor’s staff contacted Crystal Hippensteel, director of first year students and volunteer service. The staffer requested a recommendation of a Huntington student who could serve as a youth member, and Hippensteel referred Shoemaker.

For more information about the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, visit www.in.gov/ofbci.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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