Introduction by Dave Roncolato

A Different Kind of Issue of Engaged

The Office of Civic Engagement in the Gateway has experienced our mission and our work very differently during the 2020-2021 year of the COVID 19 pandemic. Much of the usual tasks of mobilizing students and alumni to be engaged in the communities beyond campus was not possible. It gave us time to pause and reflect. It gave us time to appreciate the remarkable students who over the last few year have gone above and beyond to be impactful in their service and their engagement.

We are dedicating this issue of our Engaged publication in recognition of a dozen recent students who fit the description “Impact Player.” No doubt there were impact players in Allegheny’s service movement that came before and certainly those who will come afterwards. In addition to our recent students, it is appropriate that we mention those who, over decades have lived the legacy of Alyson Lawendowski ’93. Alyson helped to found the Allegheny College Service Movement that so many students have both contributed to and benefited from over the decades.

Finally, we want to acknowledge that the ethic of service and commitment has come through even in the midst of the isolation of this pandemic. With great care and discipline the Civic Engagement staff has been able to support students in accomplishing important community projects that addressed critical needs. These efforts ought not to go unrecognized.

—Dave Roncolato ’79, Director of Civic Engagement