In recognition of the Case Western Reserve community’s ongoing commitment to service, the university was named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction. This is the seventh year Case Western Reserve has made the honor roll, but only the second the university has received the award “with distinction.”
Case Western Reserve was one of just 38 higher education institutions to be recognized “with distinction”—an honor due to the university’s commitment to interfaith activities and services, explained Betsy Banks, director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning. Fewer than 100 were named to the honor roll overall.
Each year, the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll—a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for National and Community Service—”recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities,” according to a statement.
Over the course of 2013, faculty, staff and students contributed 644,646 total volunteer service hours—a marked increase over the previous year’s accomplishment of 472,000.
Nearly 5,700 students were involved in service activities last year totaling 482,830 hours. Faculty and staff contributed 161,816 hours.
This recognition “is reflective of not only our students’ engagement in community service, but the contributions of our faculty and staff as well,” said Latisha James, senior director of community relations. “Collectively, our campus demonstrates our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our community year-round.”