According to Jonathan Hilsher, director of Civic Engagement, “This designation is an extension of Alfred State’s focus on preparing involved students for successful careers and purposeful lives."
Recently, 98 students participated in the school’s Community Action Day, the annual day of service that takes place during the college’s Week of Welcome, in which new students engage in a number of local community service projects.
Twelve Alfred State students, two retired faculty members, one current faculty member, and a community volunteer made the trip to Texas last month to partner with disaster relief organization All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response in making a difference in the community.
One way in which Alfred State pays tribute to Dr. King is by honoring those who represent his spirit of service. This year, the college will host its eighth annual Spirit of Service Award Ceremony at 5 p.m. Jan. 30 in the community room at the Union University Church, 29 N. Main St., Alfred.
A total of 16 projects took place in five areas this year – Alfred, Almond, Belmont, Hornell, and Wellsville. The projects ranged from exterior and interior painting at Hornell Area Concern for Youth, to moving and organizing book collections at the David A. Howe Public Library, to screen printing with the Alfred Farmers Market, and more.
Alfred State has long been faithful in sending participants and having employee representatives serve on the steering committee of the leadership program. This partnership will add Jonathan Hilsher, director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Alfred State, as a co-chair with Phyllis Gaerte, alumni and engagement director at Houghton College.
Alfred State’s William Dean, professor in the Department of Architecture and Design, and Jonathan Hilsher, director of the Center for Civic Engagement, recently presented their jointly authored paper titled “Generating Discipline-Based Community Impact through Academic and Student Affairs Collaboration” as part of the 105th ACSA Annual Meeting in Detroit.
