Gardner-Webb University Receives National Recognition for Community Service

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – For the fourth consecutive year, Gardner-Webb was admitted to the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for engaging its students, faculty and staff in meaningful service that achieves measurable results in the community.

“As members of the class of 2011 cross the stage to pick up their diplomas, more and more will be going into the world with a commitment to public service and the knowledge that they can make a difference in their communities and their own lives through service to others, thanks to the leadership of institutions like Gardner-Webb,” said Patrick A. Corvington, Chief Executive Officer of CNCS. “Congratulations to Gardner-Webb University and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities.”

In the 2009-2010 academic year alone, 593 Gardner-Webb students participated in community service projects through the University’s unique Service Learning Program, joining the 1,904 students who volunteered in the community outside of class. In total, these students logged 46,366 hours of intentional community engagement. This year’s numbers are expected to be even better.

The President’s Honor Roll is not the only national distinction Gardner-Webb has earned for service this year. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching selected Gardner-Webb for its prestigious Community Engagement Classification. Gardner-Webb is now among only 311 schools, out of the thousands nationwide, to have earned the distinction since the Classification’s inception in 2006. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) also recognized Gardner-Webb with its Courts Redford Award for excellence in student mobilization, given to the nation’s top 10 schools for mobilizing student missionaries through NAMB. Last year, approximately one in every 15 residential students participated in mission trips sponsored by the Office of Christian Life and Service, and 12 students served as summer missionaries in various locations through NAMB.

“Gardner-Webb University is proud to be chosen for the fourth year in a row for the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. This speaks to the very heart of who we are and our ongoing commitment to the values of faith, service and leadership,” said Provost Dr. Ben Leslie. “It is greatly gratifying to receive this external and objective affirmation that we are indeed achieving some of the most important goals we set for ourselves here at Gardner-Webb.”

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