O'Connor Center for Community Engagement Recognized with National Honor for Fifth Year in a Row

DELHI, NY (05/22/2011)(readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi has been recognized with the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for volunteer efforts of its O'Connor Center for Community Engagement for the fifth consecutive year. SUNY Delhi has received this prestigious honor every year since the inception of the award.

The Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service learning and civic engagement. SUNY Delhi was among a select group of colleges and universities across the U.S. that were chosen based on several factors, including scope and innovativeness 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.

Elizabeth Sova, coordinator for the center, states that over the last five years, the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for the campus has grown exponentially, enabling students and the community to interact in meaningful ways. "Our students are learning to be active citizens thanks to the many chances they have to engage with our local non-profit agencies."

The O'Connor Center for Community Engagement documented nearly 25,000 hours in community service by over 1,000 students in 2010. Highlights of the year included: SUNY Delhi being recognized as "Partner of the Year" by The Arc of Delaware County for engaging students in service to the agency as part of their coursework; the college's annual Alternative Winter Break Trip to the Gulf Coast where students worked with St. Joseph Rebuild Center in New Orleans and Humanity in Mobile in Alabama; and student, faculty and staff participation in Delaware County's Relay for Life.

Other major volunteer efforts by Delhi students included: participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program; tutoring at-risk young men at the Allen Residential Center in South Kortright; chaperoning Delaware Academy's After Prom Party and other school events; working with Delaware Opportunities to support its Food Bank Garden, Big Buddy Program, Safe Against Violence Program, senior meals and clothing drives; tutoring and mentoring South Kortright Central School elementary students; working with the Mayor's Task Force to beautify the Village of Delhi; and hosting Delhi's annual Community Service Day when hundreds of service hours are performed by over 200 students, faculty and staff at dozens of locations throughout Delaware and Otsego Counties.

The O'Connor Center for Community Engagement was established on the Delhi campus over 10 years ago, thanks to lead support from the O'Connor Foundation of Hobart. The Center matches individual students, clubs, classes, and faculty and staff volunteers with non-profit agencies and organizations within the greater Delhi community that need a helping hand. It serves as a clearinghouse for these community organizations, and facilitates volunteerism by arranging for transportation, orientation and training, and feedback on completed community service projects.

To serve as a host organization for Delhi students who wish to do volunteer service, please contact the O'Connor Center for Community Engagement (607) 746-4781.