Once again, Hastings College has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its exemplary community service, innovative service-learning programs and demonstrated commitment to strengthening the community.
The Rev. Dr. M. Jean Heriot, associate director of vocational discernment and service learning, and assistant professor of religion and sociology, coordinates the volunteer efforts at Hastings College.
“Our students exhibit a remarkable desire to serve others,” Heriot said. “It’s been my privilege to sponsor several groups on campus such as the Students Against Hunger and Homelessness and the Local and Global Community. Students say service in the community allows them to learn in ways that enhance and transform their education.”
Hastings College students logged more than 22,000 community service hours last year. Student groups such as Amnesty International, Child Defenders, Habitat for Humanity, Student Environmental Action Coalition, Alliance, BACCHUS, PHIVE-O and more volunteered over 15,500 extra-curricular service hours, and 6500 community service hours were completed through classroom learning. In the last six years, HC students have logged over 94,000 service hours.
The Corporation for National and Community Service announces the annual Honor Roll award recipients, recognizing more than 700 colleges and universities for exemplary, innovative, and effective community service programs. The Corporation oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection 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 academic service-learning courses.
Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named 75th Best Value College in the nation and #1 in Nebraska by Forbes.com and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. It was named a 2010 “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and rated a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.