Tennessee State University News May 18, 2011 TSU Returns to President's Honor Roll, Receives National Recognition for Community Service<http://tnstatenewsroom.com/2011/05/tennessee-state-university-returns-to-president%e2%80%99s-honor-roll-receives-national-recognition-for-community-service/> As colleges across the country honor their graduates this commencement season, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) honored Tennessee State University as a leader among institutions of higher education for their support of volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. The University has been 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. In 2009, TSU was the only higher education institution in Tennessee named to the Distinction List - the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. The University was also selected as a Community Service Honor Roll honoree in 2008. "I am extremely proud of our selection to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The selection is a tribute to the diligent work of our students, faculty, staff and alumni who have worked to make community service and service learning an integral component of our academic programs. This year's honor, like past recognitions, is a tribute to their diligence and dedication to the TSU mission of service. We remain committed to continue our efforts to be recognized as one of the most engaged universities in the nation," said Dr. Portia Shields, president of Tennessee State University. The Corporation for National and Community Service, which has administered the Honor Roll since 2006, admitted a total of 641 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from literacy and neighborhood revitalization to supporting at-risk youth. Of that total, 511 were named to the Honor Roll, 114 received the recognition of Honor Roll with distinction, 11 were identified as finalists, and six received the Presidential Award. "As the class of 2011 crosses the stage to pick up their diplomas, more and more will be going into world with a commitment to public service and the knowledge that they can make a difference in their community and their own lives through service to others, thanks to the leadership of these institutions," said Patrick A. Corvington, Chief Executive Officer of CNCS. "Congratulations to Tennessee State University and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities. We salute all the Honor Roll awardees for embracing their civic mission and providing opportunities for their students to tackle tough national challenges through service." Approximately 30 service-learning courses are available at TSU each semester across all disciplines at the University. The Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, the University's cornerstone for facilitating quality educational experiences through community-based service-learning, connects campus and community resources to create diverse learning experiences and to serve needs of the community. Additionally, the center has created a successful model for executing and leading successful service programs through community partnerships and grant funding that make a direct impact on areas of need and earn recognition such the 2010 Honor Roll based on stellar results. A total of 851 institutions applied for the 2010 Honor Roll, a nine percent increase over last year, a sign of the growing interest by colleges and universities in highlighting their efforts to engage students in making a difference in the community. On campuses across the country, millions of college students are engaged in innovative projects to meet local needs, often using the skills learned in classrooms. In 2009, 3.2 million college students dedicated more than 307 million hours of service to communities across the country, service valued at more than $6.4 billion. Business and law students offer tax preparation and legal services, and college student volunteers provide meals, create parks, rebuild homes after disasters, conduct job training, run senior service programs, and much more. The Corporation for National and Community Service is a strong partner with the nation's colleges and universities in supporting community service and service-learning. Last year, CNCS provided more than $215 million in support to institutions of higher education, including grants to operate service programs and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for college tuition and student loan repayment. CNCS is a catalyst for service-learning programs nationwide that connect community service with academic curricula. Through these programs, in classes, and in extracurricular activities, college students serve their communities while strengthening their academic and civic skills. CNCS oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact, and the American Council on Education. Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school's commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service. For a full list of recipients and descriptions of their service, visit www.NationalService.gov/HonorRoll<http://www.NationalService.gov/HonorRoll>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.