Centenary earns national honor

Centenary College has been named to the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The College has been recognized for the honor each year since the program began in 2006--only one of two Louisiana higher education institutions to hold such a distinction.

"Centenary students are passionate about service and giving back to the community," said Chris Lavan, director of global engagement. "Our presence on this list is a testament to their willingness to live, lead, and learn through action. As our service opportunities continue to expand on a local and global scale, Centenary's name will become synonymous with students who give above and beyond themselves for the good of others."

The Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their community. Colleges and universities are encouraged to deepen their practice of service. The Honor Roll is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that oversees national service and promotes volunteerism.

All Centenary students enhance their self-knowledge and social awareness through the Trek program, which promotes career/graduate school preparation, intercultural engagement, and civic involvement. Students also voluntarily participate in several large-scale service projects such as MLK Service Day and the student-led BIG Event. Over 233 Centenary community members served on MLK Service Day in January. The BIG Event, designed to give back to Centenary's Highland neighborhood, will take place Saturday, March 24.

The Office of Global Engagement spearheads many of these opportunities. Global Engagement leads students in integrated learning opportunities by guiding them through intentional reflection on cultures different from their own, service to their local and global communities and diverse perspectives that enhance their view of the complex and ever-changing world.