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Harding University
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March 8, 2007
Harding recognized for culture of service
SEARCY, Ark. - Harding University has been named to the first-ever President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The Corporation for National and Community Service made the announcement at the end of February.
"This distinction recognizes your students, faculty and staff for helping to build a culture of service and civic engagement in our nation," said David Eisner, chief executive officer for the corporation.
Only 492 schools out of more than 3,500 in the nation were recognized on this honor roll.
Said President David Burks, "At Harding University, a commitment to a servant-leadership lifestyle is part of our mission. From the beginning of this institution, our students, faculty and staff have sponsored, supported and encouraged countless service projects."
During the 2005-06 academic year, an estimated 2,385 students, faculty and staff contributed 40,619 hours of service. Projects included Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring, mentoring disadvantaged youth and beautification projects.
In conjunction with the honor roll announcement, the corporation released a comprehensive study that shows college student civic engagement rising significantly in recent years. The "College Students Helping America" study revealed that student volunteering increased approximately 20 percent from 2002 to 2005, and that 3.3 million college students serve each year.
This year more than 300 students and faculty will take their acts of service on the road during the University's spring break March 12-16. From Honduras to Hawaii, Mississippi to Massachusetts, and Canada to North Carolina, service-minded young adults will cater to others' needs.
Planned projects include ongoing post-Hurricane Katrina cleanup in New Orleans and Mississippi, building and
repairing houses in rural Central America, orchestrating activities at Denver Children's Home, volunteering at local soup kitchens, and visiting retirement home residents.
Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,100 students from 49 states and 53 foreign countries. It is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece, Italy and Zambia.
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HELPFUL INFO
For more information:
Harding Public Relations
Harding University
Box 12234
Searcy, AR 72149-2234
phone
501-279-4316
e-mail
webmaster@harding.edu
 
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