CS&L Center for Service & Learning
2016 – 2017 Annual Update
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Saint Francis University is committed to sharing the knowledge and resources of our institution for the common good. Through mutually beneficial partnerships with community organizations around the world, our faculty and students learn in many ways, while community partners also benefit. Father Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, Ph.D. President, Saint Francis University
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CS&L exists to support the University’s mission…a mind for excellence, a heart for service, and a spirit of peace and justice…by catalyzing community engaged scholarship for positive impact on our students, faculty, community and institution. Father Joe Lehman, TOR, Ph.D. Vice President, Mission Integration
FROM THE DIRECTOR In fall 2015, the President’s Office announced the creation of the Center for Service & Learning (CS&L). The CS&L is a direct result of Francis 2020, Obj. 1.1 that calls for six transformational experiences for our students…one of them being community service. Since then, the vision of the CS&L has expanded to a broader conceptualization of community engagement in which various stakeholders, in addition to our students, are beneficiaries of the learning experiences. According to the Carnegie Foundation, community engagement is the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for themutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. A major force in recent acceleration of interest and practice in community engagement (CE) in higher education was the 2006 Announcement of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The elective classification, now awarded to a total of 317 college and universities, affirms that an institution has institutionalized community engagement in its identity, culture and commitments.
Saint Francis University will apply for the elective 2020 Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The CS&L will be working with numerous stakeholders from all over campus to compile the information needed for the Carnegie application. This process will help the University identify strengths and challenges, especially in the area of CE pedagogy. A special thanks to the Faculty Advisory Committee on Community Engagement whose support has been invaluable. Community service (doing FOR others) and community engagement (doing WITH others) is engrained in the fabric of our University. The CS&L is committed to working with students, faculty, staff and community partners to support academic community engagement initiatives, as well as serve as a resource for recording community service hours (both curricular and co-curricular) using the OrgSync tool. I hope that this 2016-17 update will help tell, at least a little of our community engagement and service story… how Saint Francis University is making an impact in the larger community. It truly is a blessing to be a part this very exciting era at Saint Francis University. Thank you for your commitment to the University’s community engagement and service efforts.
Lisa Georgiana Director Center for Service & Learning
SERVICE BY THE NUMBERS * STUDENTS HOURS Community Engaged Courses 462 5,286 Co-curricular Programs 203 5,257 TOTALS 665 students 10,543 hours Value of service hours, according to the Independent Sector. SERVICE BY CLASS * STUDENTS HOURS Freshmen 232 3,165 Sophomore 174 2,644 Junior 166 2,720 Senior 93 2,014 *Only hours recorded in OrgSync are reported in numbers above.
$254,508
COMMUNITY ENGAGED PEDAGOGY Community Engaged (CE) pedagogies, often called “service-learning” courses, combine learning goals and community service in ways that can enhance both student growth and the common good. It can also take the form of community engaged research for both student and faculty member. According to the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, it is “a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.” Many Saint Francis University faculty members teach CE courses and are involved in CE research with their students. It is a high impact educational practice according to the America Association of Colleges and Universities. Faculty Advisory Committee on Community Engagement The Faculty Advisory Committee on Community Engagement (FACCE) provides a forum for the support of community engaged pedagogy at the University. FACCE provides feedback to the CS&L regarding faculty needs and programming. In fall 2017, Faculty Senate approved a proposal for CE course designation in the University’s schedule of classes. Administration & Staff Fr. Joe Lehman, Vice President, Mission Integration Dr. Peter Skoner, Associate Provost Ms. Theresa Wilson, Director, CETL Center for Service & Learning staff School of Arts and Letters Dr. Rosemary Bertocci Dr. Tim Bintrim Dr. Laurie Chose Dr. Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg Dr. Stephanie Ivory Dr. Teelyn Mauney Dr. Marnie Moist Ms. Kelly Rhodes
Students enrolled in Franciscan Values for Today (RLST105) are required to complete 10 hours of community service and reflect on the experience as it relates back to the course work.
School of Business Ms. Angela Balog Mr. Kent Tonkin School of Health Sciences Ms. Michelle Beck Ms. Gabrielle Cronin Ms. Cindy Drenning Dr. Theresa Horner Dr. Kara Kobal Dr. Jen Misiura Dr. Lenore Resick Dr. Rita Trofino Dr. Kris Wisniewski School of Sciences Dr. Gail Drus Dr. Lanika Ruzhitskaya Dr. Bill Strosnider Dr. Rachel Wagner Dr. Ed Zovinka
In Dr. Schlomit Flaisher-Grinberg’s Canine Learning and Behavior course, students apply what they are learning in this psychology class to train dogs from the Blair County Humane Society. At the end of the semester, the dogs graduate from Saint Francis University and 100% find permanent homes. 2016 - 2017
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The SFUServes Ambassador Program pairs students with faculty who are teaching community engaged courses or who spearhead large community service initiatives. Students earn valuable leadership and planning skills, as well as wages. Faculty members benefit from their help.
• 33 Ambassadors
Community Apiary Jessica Chverchko Amanda Conrad Dr. Lauri Chose, Literature & Languages* Green Team James Lee Ms. Kelly Rhodes & Dr. Lauri Chose, Literature & Languages* SMART Program (St. Michael’s tutoring program) Carrisa Blair Valerie Boles Abby Clarke Ryan Cox Emily Kirk Rylie Rusnica Clarrise Spencer Kelly Beegle, CS&L Graduate Assistant* Special Project Coordinator Arts & Letters Abigail Bowen Dr. Lori Woods, History & Political Science* World War II Museum Benjamin Bruning Tyler Hrubochak Nicole Kline Michael Kost Cory Kumpf Harry Olafsen Cody Turnbaugh Jalen Wells Dr. Sarah Myers, History & Political Science* Center for Watershed Research & Service Stefan Long Dalton Mack Logan Madison Maria Messina Sawyer Rensel George Ryan Ms. Morgan Whited, Engineering*
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ROCK (Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids) Sabrina Blake Chris Evans Lacey Gooderham Paul Kasunic Grace McKernan Bryant Onkst Megan Snider Sarah Westin Dr. Ed Zovinka, Chemistry* Toy Lending Library Melissa Bauer Alexandra Cummings Olivia Folmer Maria Hoppel Dr. Lorie Rowles, Occupational Therapy*
R Space Trevor Anderson Kaylyn Andress Annamarie Bolt Joshua Graham Mary Holtz Jennifer Hodgson Kayla Plummer Zach Sterner Shannon Szymusiak Caleb Weyant Dr. Lanika Ruzhitskaya, Science Outreach Center* * Supervising Faculty/Staff Member
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DiSepio Human Performance Lab with St. Michael's School Blaine Arney Mike Bartkovich Emily Holben Dr. Kris Wisniewski, Exercise Physiology*
Thanks to the CS&L for the SFUServes Ambassador program. Without this support, operating the Keirn Family World War II Museum would not be possible. Dr. Sara Myers, History and Political Science
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American Sign Language Bailey Ingram Amarisa Miles Ms. Gale DeArmin, Literature & Languages*
• 11 Programs
DOMESTIC SERVICE MISSION TRIPS MOM-n-PA Dental Mission Students from Saint Francis University helped give people in need something to smile about by volunteering for the MOM-n-PA Dental Missions (Erie, June 2017 & Pittsburgh, June 2016). The MOM-n-PA mission is a two-day large scale dental clinic where dental treatment is provided at no cost to individuals who cannot afford dental care. Seven Saint Francis University students were among the 700 volunteers who freely donated their time to help. Patient procedures included cleaning, x-rays, fillings, root canals and extractions. Most patients hadn’t been to a dentist in years. A visit to a traditional dentist office for a panoramic x-ray and extraction would cost $600-800. This service was provided at no charge at the clinic. The value of the dental service provided at the 2017 clinic was $600,798. Most health insurance plans do not provide dental care, and lower-income individuals cannot afford access to dental care. This leads to chronic health problems due to inflammation, poor nutrition, and poor sense of self-worth. These clinics can help address some of the immediate problems and sources of pain for individuals, but they are no substitute for biannual exams and cleanings. “All patients were so grateful, and it was very heartwarming to hear their stories,” reflected Taylor Keiper, a biology/pre-med student. “I learned the value of helping others, said, chemistry major Mitchell Hogue. “One of our Franciscan values is simplify and joy.
HELPING LOCALLY
- ALTOONA - JOHNSTOWN - PITTSBURGH
MOM-n-PA Service Mission Team 2017: Row 1: Jen Merry, Lexi Vavala, Lindsay Brocious, Taylin Lehman, Mitchell Hogue. Row 2: Professor Justin Merry, Ashley Hildebrand, Taylor Keiper, and Emilee Fierro.
I learned a lot about this value because the simple help I provided brought great joy to many, including myself. I learned that dentistry is exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.” Another student said, “This experience opened my heart to those in need and to embrace the uncomfortableness of trying new things. By having a ‘humble and generous attitude toward learning.’ I was able to have an enriching service experience.” Biology Professor Justin Merry and his wife Jen, who works in the Marketing Department, took time out of their summer vacation to accompany the students. The CS&L organized the trip, and it was funded in part through a generous donation from Frank Embon, class of 1959. SFU students are looking forward to volunteering at the 2018 clinic, May 18-19 in Reading, Pa.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Several students in the Franciscan Values class were able to help at the Humane Society in Altoona, St. Vincent DePaul in Altoona and Johnstown, and the Jubilee Soup Kitchen in Pittsburgh, thanks to transportation provided by the Center for Service & Learning. “Many freshmen in the RLST105 class don’t have cars on campus,” said Leona Horner, graduate assistant for the CS&L who organized and led the trips. “This course requires 10 hours of community service which is also a requirement for graduation. We want to help the students find service opportunities that are robust and related to their major.”
A group of 30 volunteers traveled from Loretto to Florida to spend their 2017 Spring Break building homes. Dr. Thomas Woods, Physician Assistant Program, (above left) was one of the faculty leaders on the trip. 2016 - 2017
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HUGS ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK INTERNATIONAL SERVICE MISSION TRIPS The Helping the Underprivileged by Giving our Service (HUGS), an Alternative Spring Break program at Saint Francis University, was established in 2006. Since then, hundreds of faculty, staff, students and alumni have traveled to Honduras, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, St. Lucia, Jamaica and Costa Rica to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ. The focus of the trips is education and health sciences, as well as an opportunity for Spanish minors to fulfill a requirement to graduate. HUGS’17 Jamaica Community Partner: Holy Spirit Church, Maggotty Twenty-nine volunteers traveled to Jamaica to work in the medical clinic at Holy Spirit Parish, as well as a local nursing home, help with the after school program, and manage the microlending program. Saint Francis University has been partnering with Holy Spirit Church since 2013. Occupational Therapy: Ten students, two alumni team leaders Physical Therapy: Six students, three alumni team leaders Physician Assistant: Three students, under the supervision of Dr. Jeff, the onsite doctor School of Business: Three students Trip Leaders: Fr. Joe Lehman, Vice President for Mission Integration, and Lisa Georgiana, CS&L Director
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I learned the importance of living simply, as well as God’s presence can be seen in everyone and every situation, as long as I seek Him out.
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The experience has been an incredible opportunity…physically, mentally and spiritually. I was given the opportunity to apply my occupational therapy knowledge in a practical setting, as well as grow stronger in my faith.
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“ Taking a walk up Maggotty Pass with students who came to the after school program at Holy Spirit Church. 6
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The gratefulness of our patients made me realize that although we have several cultural differences, the genuine love that humankind shares is uniting.
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The Jamaican microlending team interviewed 24 Jamaicans who desired to start their own business. They selected 8 entrepreneurs and awarded loans totaling $385,000 JMD ($2,998 USD). The repaid loans will be redistributed on the HUGS’18 trip.
Occupational and physical therapy students clip the nails of a resident at the Missionaries of Charity Nursing Home in Balaclava. Rehab teams visited the site daily, making splints for residents, adapting wheelchairs, and just being present.
The HUGS Jamaica team.
HUGS ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK INTERNATIONAL SERVICE MISSION TRIPS HUGS’17 Costa Rica Community Partner: Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children (FIRMC) Twenty volunteers traveled to Costa Rica to serve five kilometers outside of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica where about 12,500 Nicaraguan refugees and impoverished Costa Rican citizens live outside of Alajuelita. This was the first time that Saint Francis University partnered with FIMRC.
A student comforts a baby at the FIMRC medical clinic.
I was very moved by the culture and the people of Costa Rica who were so willing to welcome us into their world and be so patient with us.
Physician Assistant students get to know a young boy before his examination.
The HUGS’17 Costa Rica team.
These students are all smiles with their little patient.
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The people we treated in Costa Rica were genuine and truly grateful. Even though we had to care for some of them in make-shift clinics consisting of bathrooms and garages, they were appreciative.
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Physician Assistant: Ten students and one alumni team leader Occupational Therapy: Four students Nursing: Two students Public Health: One student Chemistry: One student Spanish Minors: Many students fulfilled a requirement for their Spanish minor on the trip Trip Leader: Brother Vincent Yeager, TOR
I learned patience and respect…to not label people before I learned more about them. I experienced a sense of gratitude for all God’s creation, as well as how important it is to be humble. 2016 - 2017
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COMMUNITY SERVICE & PARTNERSHIPS - SOME EXAMPLES B.R.I.D.G.E. Building Realistic and Integrated Daily-Living Skills, Gaining Experience and Employability Skills (B.R.I.D.G.E.) is a partnership with Intermediate Unit 8 (IU8). IU8 provides a broad range of educational services to the 35 public school districts and approximately 81 non-public schools in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, and Somerset counties. Our students work with the IU8 students weekly through job coaching, social skills instruction, and interactions through dining and recreation.
65 volunteers
379 hours
REACHING EVERY DOOR R.E.D. is an annual day of service in which students go into local communities to show appreciation by giving of their time and talents. Gamma Sigma Sigma (a national service sorority) organizes the event in cooperation with the CS&L. Volunteers say “thank you� to the community by helping with clean-up and painting projects, working at local animal rescues, assisting the elderly with household chores and more.
387 volunteers
872 hours
R.O.C.K. Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) provides schools and youth organizations the opportunity to experience chemistry in real-life situations. Our students visit schools and perform hands-on chemistry experiments with younger students, helping them understand the importance of chemistry in daily life.
39 volunteers
574 hours
Science Day High school students have the opportunity to compete in teams in a science bowl or attend three different presentations across campus. Students learn and explore aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics on our campus through interaction with college students, faculty, and local professionals.
65 volunteers
130 hours
SPECIAL OLYMPICS For more than 20 years, the University has been the host for the Central PA Special Olympics sectional event. Each spring, more than 300 Special Olympians from 14 counties compete in basketball, track and field, swimming and tennis.
204 volunteers
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669 hours
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2016 - 2017
Our students volunteer at dozens of organizations. These are just a few: American Sign Language Best Buddies B.R.I.D.G.E. IU8 program Cambria Senior Citizen Center Dorothy Day Outreach Center Dreams Go On Global Buddies Goodwill Industries Habitat for Humanity HUGS Alternative Spring Break Humane Society John Paul II Manor Multicultural Day R.O.C.K. St. Michael School St. Vincent DePaul Toy Lending Library Turtle Foundation World War II Library & Museum
COMMUNITY SERVICE & PARTNERSHIPS GREEK LIFE •12 chapters • All chapters organize service projects. Greek Community Partners Alex’s Lemonade Stand American Cancer Society America Foundation for Suicide Prevention American Red Cross Children’s Miracle Network Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Dreams Go On Healing Patch Humane Society Huntsman Cancer Foundation M.A.D.D. Make a Wish Foundation March of Dimes Movember Special Olympics St. Jude Hospital Women’s Help Center RED FLASH •23 Division I athletics teams •All teams organize service projects •NEC Building Communities Award, 2nd place Community Partners American Cancer Society Beyond the Ribbons Cambria Heights Elementary Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation Dorothy Day Outreach Center Jackson Elementary Sideline Cancer Team IMPACT Zack Hinish Foundation Annual Community Events Safe Trick-or-Treat Night Sheetz Sports 4 Kids Day
Community Service is one of the six transformational experiences identified in the University’s strategic plan…Francis 2020. Students who complete 100 hours of service during their undergraduate years and record them in OrgSync, can “check” community service off their L.I.S.T. (Leadership, Involvement & Service Transcript). L.I.S.T. is an official University document that recognizes important student accomplishments outside the classroom. 2016 - 2017
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OUTREACH CENTERS Dorothy Day Outreach Center Established in 1981, the DDOC provides food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance for those in need. Special food distribution events at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
67 student volunteers
578 hours
State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, collected donations for his annual food drive benefiting the DDOC. With the help of the community and the Penn Cambria School District, Burns filled two SUV’s and a van to capacity with donated food. Fr. Malachi VanTassell, TOR, and Mary Adams of the DDOC welcomed and thanked him.
Community members are welcomed by Franciscan friars at the annual Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Torvian and the DDOC.
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The University is home to numerous outreach centers. Here are a few: Center for Watershed Research & Service The Center for Watershed Research & Service (CWRS) helps match nonprofit partners in need of assistance with faculty and students from various academic schools and degree programs at Saint Francis University. Nonprofit organizations perform vital service in the restoration of watersheds, both at home and abroad. These nonprofits often affect great positive change with very limited personnel and budgets, impacts that could be amplified with technical assistance, focused research or simply additional manpower.
Dr. Bill Strosnider leads environmental engineering students as they rehabilitate a water treatment system in Central City, Pa.
Students take samples from a local wetland which they will take back to the lab to analyze.
Science Outreach Center The Science Outreach Center promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the community by working closely with community partners which are primarily K-12 schools. STEM summer programs, Kid’s College Camps and the R-Space (Rural Science, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Engineering) program…are just a few of the programs offered to the community.
Professor Gail Drus teaches campers in Kids’ College about plants. Kid’s College is a summer camps program designed for school children in grades 1 through 10. The camps introduce children to several branches of science: astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, medicine, physics, and more.
Curious onlookers watch a Saint Francis University student volunteer with the Rural Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) conduct a messy, but intersting experiment.
COMMUNITY PARTNER: SAINT MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL On any given day of the week, Saint Francis University students are signing in at Saint Michael Catholic School (SMCS) in Loretto to share their time and talents. “SMCS is an exemplar community partner,” said Kelly Beegle, CS&L graduate assistant for literacy initiatives who oversees the tutoring and after school programs two days a week. “SFU students apply what they are learning in the classroom to help SMCS students. We have a collaborative and reciprocal working relationship with SMCS. We ask our community partner what the needs are, and the University pulls together to share knowledge and resources to help.” In 2016-17, 58 students volunteered 1,041 hours of service. ARTS * Fine arts lessons and activities. * Southern Allegheny Museum of Arts Student Art Exhibit ATHLETICS * Free clinics are offered by the SFU field hockey and soccer programs. * Athletes volunteer on Read Across America Day. EDUCATION * S.M.A.R.T. (Saint Michael’s Math and Reading Tutoring Program) and Homework Helpers (an aftercare program) is staffed mostly by education majors and managed collaboratively by the Education Department and the CS&L. * SFU education majors fulfill pre-professional observation hours as well as run study skills sessions for students. * Study Abroad Literacy Program ENVIRONMENT * Environmental Studies and Education Departments, along with CS&L built a garden consisting of three raised beds. SMCS students tend the garden. Food will be used in their cafeteria. FAITH FORMATION * SMCS students participate in the annual March for Life event that is held on campus. * Postulants from the Franciscan TOR community minister and serve. HEALTH SCIENCES * Exercise physiology majors under the supervision of Professor Kris Wisniewski design curriculum and run the physical education program at the school. * Nursing students give health presentations. SMCS helped with the SFU Community Baby Shower. SCIENCE * R.O.C.K. (Rural Chemistry for Kids) program brings hands-on chemistry experiments to SMCS students. DOROTHY DAY OUTREACH CENTER * SMCS students organize annual food drives for the DDOC.
2016 - 2017
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RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Spirit of St. Francis Award Given to the student who demonstrates excellence in community engagement and exemplifies the Franciscan Values of Higher Education.
International Service Award Given to the student(s) who provides service above and beyond the normal international service mission trip requirements.
Emily Horner Physical Therapy, HUGS Jamaica, ’17 & ‘18
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My life will never be the same after my medial mission trip to Jamaica. I will forever do my best to use the gifts that the Lord has given me. I will look for ways to help and serve those around me.
Ashley Hill Physician Assistant Ashley organized the Habitat for Humanity Alternative Spring Break trip for 30 volunteers, has participated in mission trips to South America and Africa, and is a member of the HUGS’18 Jamaica team where she will use her physician assistant skills to treat patients. She is also responsible for the weekly Sunday Overflow non-denominational worship service on campus.
Madison O’Leary Occupational Therapy, HUGS Jamaica’17
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I can’t even begin to explain what this award means to me. I don’t feel as if I have done anything special to be deserving of this award so to be selected is truly an honor.
Every person I met on the trip, no matter what their age or physical condition, showed me the importance of appreciating the little joys in life. This was the biggest life lesson that I took away from the trip.
CS&L MISSION Inspired by our Catholic, Franciscan tradition, the Center for Service & Learning is a catalyst for impactful community engagement experiences. We collaborate with faculty, staff and community partners to facilitate the sharing of the knowledge and resources of the University for the common good.