By Mirna Youssef
Staff Writer
The Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) has named LIU Post in the general community service category in the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This is the second consecutive year, but third overall year, that Post has received this honor.
The CNCS initiative states that, “The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, launched in 2006, annually highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community problems, and placing students on a lifelong path of civic engagement by recognizing institutions that achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes in the communities they serve.”
According to the school’s website, “students commit approximately 20,000 hours of community service every year.” Some of the ways Post students have demonstrated community service are by building homes in Mexico, developing fundraising strategies for local charities, organizing holiday toy drives, volunteering at local soup kitchens, working with disabled children, and raising awareness and funds for causes such Race for the Cure and Relay for Life.
“I, among many others, prepared meals for residents [at] a halfway house. It was a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and it gets you involved on campus in something that’s bigger than just yourself,” said Jawaan Smith, a junior Arts Management major.
“The Honor Roll’s Presidential Award is the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement,” according to the CNCS website. “Service and higher education go hand in hand,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS.
“Being named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is an achievement that highlights the myriad efforts completed by our campus in service to its community at large,” said Adam Grohman, associate dean of students. “I think our entire campus community should take pride in such a laurel, and allow it to serve as a benchmark for us to strive for annually.”
The CNCS collaborates 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 to administer the awards.
The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll application states, “Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service,” and that “recognition will be given to institutions that demonstrate relevant and meaningful service and achieve measurable impacts in the community.”
“I volunteered for the SIBS Club, which is designed to help children with autism better interact with their siblings,” said Samantha Mangiaracina, a junior Speech-Language Pathology major. “Helping children learn critical skills that will last a lifetime is a feeling you can’t put into words.”
“I am extremely proud of our students at LIU Post for their well-known commitment to service and volunteerism in the Long Island community, [and] in the New York metropolitan region and around the world,” said President Cline. “The 2014 Presidential Honor Roll for Service provides another validation for LIU’s year of transformational emergence and recognition. Congratulations, and thanks to all of our students who shared their time and talents with others in need.”
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