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

DELHI, NY (04/11/2012)(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 sixth 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 of the Center said, "This award reflects the commitment the college community has made to the greater Delhi community and the surrounding area. It is an honor for me to work with our students to assist with disaster relief, fundraising, tutoring, beautification, and so much more."

The O'Connor Center for Community Engagement documented nearly 24,000 hours in community service by 1,111 students in 2011. Highlights of the year included: raising almost $9,000 in support for the victims of the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami; partnering with the Delaware County ARC with service-learning projects at many sites; and initiating the AmeriCorps "Farm To Table" project that, along with Farm Catskills and Delaware Opportunities, brought fresh local food to schools, senior meal sites and the food banks in Delaware County.

Other major volunteer efforts by Delhi students included: participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program; chaperoning Delaware Academy's After Prom Party and other school events; Hanford Mills, the West Kortright Centre, 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 12 years ago, thanks to lead support from the Lindsay and Olive B. 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.