PNC Named to President’s Community Service Honor Roll

PNCPurdue University North Central has again been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, earning placement on the Honor Roll with Distinction as well as the Education Community Service Honor Roll.

The President’s Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions whose community service efforts achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. This is the highest federal recognition that colleges and universities can receive for community service, service-learning, and civic engagement.

The annual Honor Roll award recognizes 766 colleges and universities, with 120 cited on the Honor Roll with Distinction. Other schools cited with Distinction include Purdue University, West Lafayette; Valparaiso University and Indiana State University.

College students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service, and according to the most recent “Volunteering and Civic Life in America report,” in 2012 – 2013, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.

During the 2012-2013 academic year, for which PNC was recognized, more than 3,000 PNC students engaged in service learning or civic engagement activities, dedicating more than 32,000 hours of service throughout Northwest Indiana. Students participated in a variety of activities from those that were embedded within academic service learning courses, to on-going co-curricular community service and volunteer activities.

The Corporation for National and Community Service has administered the award since 2006 in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the American Council on Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core.

“Service learning and community engagement have become a way of life at PNC,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “PNC students are proud to be visible community members who are volunteering and taking on volunteer projects that improve our communities. Their service benefits all members of the community and helps them gain an appreciation of giving that will promote a life-long commitment to volunteerism and community service. Being named to the Honor Roll with Distinction as well as the Education Community Service Honor Roll is a direct reflection of our dedication to servicing our local communities.”

Laura Weaver, coordinator of the PNC Center for Service Learning & Leadership added, "PNC is a leader in providing opportunities for our students to engage in academic service learning and community service through partnerships with numerous organizations throughout Northwest Indiana. These partnerships allow students to take on essential roles to address the needs of our communities while becoming civic-minded citizens.”