MISSION

To develop a robust Service-Learning Scholars program at ISU showcasing the university’s strategic commitment to academic excellence, dynamic community engagement, and meaningful public service.

VISION

Each fall, a new cohort of promising Sophomores will be selected to participate in a rigorous and rewarding Service-Learning Scholars program at ISU. This two-year experience will feature the completion of service-learning designated coursework, an ongoing process of self-reflection on the meaning of service, and the application of one’s academic training and interests to specific community needs through a supervised service project. The program will be one of the university’s most visible touchstones, reflected not only in the recognition accorded to its participants on their transcripts, at Commencement, at the CCE’s annual banquet, and in the press, but even more so in its clear resonance with the university’s overall mission, vision, retention goals, and strategic plan.

REQUIREMENTS

orientation workshop at the beginning of the year
participation in three events sponsored by the Center for Community Engagement
one “Introduction to Service-Learning” course (1 credit, UNIV 150, taught by Faculty Fellow)
one service-learning-designated course (3 credits, designated by CCE)
one leadership-designated course (3 credits, designated by Leadership Consortium)
150 service hours with a community partner
a short reflection essay each semester
a focused Service Project geared toward a community partner’s real need
a poster showcasing the completed Service Project at the CCE’s spring banquet

Benefits

official transcript designation as a Service-Learning Scholar
co-curricular transcript designation
honor/certificate/poster at CCE banquet
acknowledgment at Commencement
focused attention to a real need, addressed with a valued academic skill set
broad scope of possible community partners, not just in Terre Haute
possible partnerships with participants’ home communities through the alumni office
sense of accomplishment in enhancing ISU’s national reputation for service and engagement

Scholars

Cohort 1

	Sean Carey Sean Carey is a Music Education and Performance double major in the School of Music. Coming to ISU from Munster, he specializes in violin and belongs to several ensembles on campus. In addition to performing, Sean enjoys serving as a tutor for Music Theory. To him, service is something that should be expected of those who are at all able to help others.
	Alexa Davis A sophomore studying Human Resource Development and Spanish, Alexa Davis hails from beautiful Indianapolis, Indiana. Alexa is attracted to service-learning, not only as a way of learning about the world around her, but also as a way of giving back to others and her community. Her service activities first took root in high school through the Interact Club, where she enjoyed participating in many community projects. At ISU she is very involved with her sorority’s philanthropic activities, including Service for Sight, which provides assistance to the visually impaired. Alexa firmly believes that volunteering helps one to become a better person and to make a difference in the world. In her free time, she loves to shop and to spend time with her family and Delta Gamma sisters.
	Robyn Minks Robyn Minks comes from Hammond, and is double-majoring in Biology and Science Education. She hopes her love of animals, children, and teaching can be incorporated into a fulfilling career. Robyn participated in many volunteer and outreach programs before college through her church’s youth group, Girl Scouts, and various organizations at school. During her time at ISU she has continued her volunteer work by participating in Alternative Spring Break, Donaghy Day, and the Hull House trip. Robyn was also on the leadership team for the Freshman Class Legacy Service Project. She is confident that her passion for volunteering will carry through the rest of her college experience and beyond.
	Heather Slee Heather Slee is a sophomore studying Speech Language Pathology. She is from Wabash and enjoys watching movies, listening to music, riding her bike, and hanging out with friends. She loves to work with children, which is what originally drew her to community service. At home she helped with various children's programs at her church, and is currently a member of the Sycamore Service Corps, ISU’s Americorps contingent. Heather is also involved with the campus chapter of NSSLHA, the professional organization for Speech Pathologists.
	Katie Taylor Katie Taylor moved to Terre Haute with her parents and two younger sisters from Portland, Oregon in the summer of 2010. She entered ISU that fall on the pre-medicine track with a minor in Spanish, and declared a major in English near the end of her second semester. Katie is a proud member of the St. Mary's Academy class of 2009 and attributes her love of service and learning to the education she received there. After her graduation, Katie spent eight months volunteering at a girl's home in Peru. In addition to joining the SLS program, she will be serving at St. Ann's Clinic this year as a second-term member of AmeriCorps.

Cohort 2

	Amanda Austin Amanda Austin grew up on the east side of Indianapolis, where she actively took part in Key Club through her middle and high school years. That experience gave her the opportunity to serve her community through a variety of programs, including Coats for Kids, March of Dimes, and fire safety education programs for elementary students. Now studying to become a nurse, Amanda has continued to volunteer with Traveling Nurses Services, helping to give flu shots at various locations around Indianapolis. She has always been inspired by seeing what a difference kindness and generosity can make in people’s lives, and would like to continue using her skills to serve others well into the future.
	Bethany Alkire Bethany Alkire is a sophomore honors student studying Pre-Medicine, with minors in Chemistry and Civic Leadership. She is also part of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, where she is working on her Certified Nonprofit Personal (CNP) Certificate. Bethany is a Rural Health Scholar who intends to continue the program by attending Indiana University School of Medicine-Terre Haute to become a pediatrician. Before attending college, Bethany actively volunteered with 4-H, SADD, NHS, Hancock Hope House, the Boys and Girls Club, and Lions’ Club in her hometown of Greenfield, and was honored to be named a Lilly Scholar as a result. Bethany is a Senator in the Student Government Association, where she is currently Speaker of the Senate. Bethany is also a member of the Sycamore Service Corps, with a placement at the Salvation Army as a Children’s Programming Coordinator.
	Mitchell Asemota Mitchell Asemota, a sophomore from Indianapolis, is studying Accounting and Pre-Law. In his free time, he enjoys running and working out, and is a member of the ISU Track and Field team. In the past, he has been involved with many leadership programs like Panther Quest and Leadership Learning Community, and upon graduation from ISU he plans to pursue a law degree. Mitchell is very involved in the community and volunteers an average of twenty hours each month.
	Drew Feutz Drew Feutz is a Business Management major and a Motorsports Management minor from Eminence, Indiana. He has volunteered with the Lions Club in his hometown since the eighth grade and has served the broader community as far away as San Francisco through the St. Anthony Foundation on a trip with the Networks Professional Development Program. With a degree in Business Management, Drew hopes to own his own business someday and to develop sustainable business practices that benefit the public.
	Dylan Gentilcore A theater major, Dylan Gentilcore hails from Modoc, Indiana. He has volunteered in multiple food drives, blood drives, and Race for the Cure events in his hometown. At ISU, he continues to volunteer in the community, and is increasingly active and visible in Theater Department productions as well.
	Erica Liddell Erica Liddell is a sophomore from South Bend. She double-majors in Criminology and Legal Studies, with minors in Civic Leadership and Spanish. Her service activities at ISU include AmeriCorps and the Leadership Learning Community. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to become a criminal justice lawyer. Serving the community is extremely important to Erica, who believes that the world is made a far better place when people help one another and come together to do their part.
	Madeline Webster Madeline Webster is a sophomore majoring in German and Linguistics. She has worked extensively with programs serving at-risk youth, and hopes to sharpen her skills even further through the Service Learning Scholars program. Madeline has volunteered with children in Big Brothers Big Sisters, leading arts and crafts, music, and outdoor, adventure activities. Madeline has been very active with her sorority’s philanthropic activities, with special attention to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She is passionate about providing quality education for children and encouraging youth to seek higher education. Madeline believes that those who are given much should give back to the community in service.

Contact Information

Steven Stofferahn
Faculty Fellow and SLS Coordinator
Center for Community Engagement
stofferahn@indstate.edu