CT Colleges Named to President’s Honor Roll for Community Service
HARTFORD, March 18 — The Corporation for National and Community Service has named 14 Connecticut
colleges and universities to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the
highest federal distinction an institution of higher education can receive for its commitment to improving
their communities through community service and service learning.
The 14 Connecticut colleges are among 690 across the nation named to this year’s Honor Roll. Combined,
the 690 Honor Roll awardees engaged 3.1 million students in community service valued at 2.5 billion
dollars across the nation. This year the University of Connecticut is one of five 2013 Presidential Winners,
receiving the General Community Service Presidential Award. This distinction is the highest honor a
college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic
engagement. Compared to a decade ago, UConn realized an increase of 278 percent in student participation
and 540 percent in student service hours. “Student interest exceeds our capacity, at least for now,” says Matt
Farley, UConn’s associate director for community outreach. The other Connecticut 2013 Honor Roll
recipients are:
- Connecticut College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Fairfield University
- Gateway Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Norwalk Community College
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Hartford
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
- Wesleyan University
- Western Connecticut State University
Across Connecticut, college and university students participate in creative projects to address community
needs, from building decent, affordable homes for low-income families to after-school tutoring of
elementary school children in urban communities. These projects, along with AmeriCorps and other
campus-based community service efforts are administered by the Commission on Community Service
which is housed in the Office of Higher Education
“The University of Connecticut is to be commended for providing a deepened service-learning environment
and preparing students for civic and social responsibility,” stated Jane. A. Ciarleglio, Executive Director of
the Office of Higher Education. “Community service enriches not only students’ academic experience but
also the communities surrounding our campuses. Service is a vital agent to broaden student education and
civic engagement. We celebrate these schools for their foresight and commitment, and encourage other
colleges to follow their lead.” This year, $10.2 million in federal dollars has been awarded to Connecticut
to support community service activities. In addition, the Office has awarded more than $29.8 million in
Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to help college students with tuition costs and loan repayment.