HU named to President’s Honor Roll for third time

Huntington, Ind.-For the third consecutive year, the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll has recognized Huntington University for its support of "innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs."

"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 Nicola Goren, acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees the honor roll. "We salute these universities 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 Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service organizes much of Huntington University's service efforts. Founded in 1992, the JMC is a student-directed organization that mobilizes the campus community for Christian service. The organization aims to involve students in the local community, instill a lifelong commitment to service and promote the idea that one person can make a difference.

During the 2007-2008 academic year, students, faculty and staff volunteered for more than 12,900 hours, serving families, organizations and programs. Some of the JMC's 2007-2008 initiatives included the new student Volunteer Plunge, Fall and Spring Work Days, blood drives, Service Emphasis Week, the Urban Plunge in Chicago, and mission trips to Minnesota, Florida and Jamaica.

"I am proud that Huntington University has again received this honor," said Grace McBrayer, staff advisor for the JMC. "Our students give of themselves selflessly every week, and this recognition helps to bring them the attention they deserve. Huntington students volunteer with more than 25 weekly programs and turn out in large numbers for our Fall and Spring Work Days."

Launched in 2006, the President's Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support innovative, effective and exemplary community service programs. Honorees were selected based on a series of 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 service-learning courses.

The honor roll is jointly sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, through its Learn and Serve America program, and the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps, Campus Compact, and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

In all, 635 schools were listed on the honor roll for their community service activities during the 2007-2008 academic year.