Elon University students continued their remarkable record of service to the local community during the 2004-2005 academic year, contributing more than 86,000 hours of service through classes, student organizations, the Kernodle Center for Service- Learning, Elon Volunteers!, and individual placements in the community.
The 86,235 hours of service broke the previous record of 82,509 hours set during the 2003-2004 year. A record 2,823 students, 61 percent of the undergraduate student body, participated in some form of service work last year.
“Elon students continue to demonstrate their commitment to service,” says Jenny Trimble, director of the Kernodle Center. “Their involvement brings valuable contributions to the community, and students also view service as a way to develop meaningful relationships with others, cultivate leadership skills, develop an appreciation for diversity and have fun.”
Elon students serve the community in a variety of ways. Annual service events such as the Cystic Fibrosis Walk and Special Olympics raise awareness about societal needs and issues. Students also work with a number of local organizations including the Burlington Boys and Girls Club, Family Abuse Services and the Positive Attitude Youth Center. Campus Greek organizations contribute to the community through a variety of philanthropic projects, and more than 20 student organizations and service programs raised money and collected food and toys in 2004-2005 for various charities and causes.
The Kernodle Center for Service Learning, the hub for service and volunteerism on campus, coordinates one-time service events, ongoing mentoring and tutoring programs and the Academic Service Learning program. The center also coordinates domestic and international service trips, the service learning community, Federal work study in the community, America Reads and NC ACTS, an AmeriCorps program.
A unique aspect of the Kernodle Center is Elon Volunteers!, a team of more than 50 unpaid student leaders who work with students, staff, faculty and local agencies to make service happen at Elon.
-30-