Community Engagement & Service Academic Years 2017-18 & 2018-19
Center for Community Engagement sfuserves@francis.edu
Mission Inspired by our Catholic, Franciscan tradition, the Center for Community Engagement is a catalyst for impactful community engagement experiences. We collaborate with students, faculty, staff and community partners to facilitate the sharing of the knowledge and resources of the University for the common good.
Vision Saint Francis University will “Become that Community Engager” as the region’s flagship institution for community engagement through mutually beneficial partnerships to serve Loretto, the region and the world.
Contact us… Lisa Georgiana
Director lgeorgiana@francis.edu 814.472.3329
Denise Farabaugh
Administrative Assistant dfarabaugh@francis.edu 814.472.3172
Marcus Mihelcic Graduate Assistant
Jared Heitzenrater Graduate Assistant
Learn more at francis.edu/CCE EM’s Graphic Studio Graphic Artist Emily McConnell emsgraphicstudio.com 814.201.2212
A Strategic Shift to
Community Engagement Dear Friends of Saint Francis University,
It is my pleasure to announce that the Center
for Service & Learning (CS&L) has been renamed the Center for Community Engagement (CCE). The name change demonstrates the University’s commitment to community engagement (CE), both at the curricular and co-curricular levels, as well as the evolution and accomplishments within the CS&L.
The CS&L was established in fall 2015 to
help support the University’s strategic plan, Francis 2020, aiming to enhance student engagement in community service. And while community service is very much valued at Saint Francis University, CE is a much broader umbrella. Implies DOING WITH a community partner for mutual benefit, whereas community service can be thought of as DOING FOR a community partner. CE is also recognized as one can of the eight innovative strategies that universities embrace to respond creatively to today’s challenging higher education environment (Innovation and the Independent College, a report by the Council of Independent College, March 2018).
Thank you to the many faculty and staff who are working so diligently to develop and sustain community partnerships for positive impact in our communities. In particular, gratitude to the members of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Community Engagement. (see pg. 16)
I would like to recognize Dr. Marshall Welch, CE guru, consultant and friend. His book, “Engaging Higher Education: Purpose, Platforms & Programs for Community Engagement,” (2016, Stylus Publishing) is a guiding light for us as we chart our path.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge that this strategic shift
would not be possible without President’s Council’s support. In particular, gratitude to Father Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, Ph.D., University President, and Dr. Karan Powell, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, for their commitment to community engagement. A special thank you to the Father Joe Lehman, TOR, Ph.D., former Vice President for Mission Integration, who has been a champion for this strategic initiative over the past three years. Gratefully and humbly,
Lisa Georgiana Director, Center for Community Engagement
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Franciscan Goals for Today
Franciscan Goals for Today (RLST 105) is a long-standing service-learning course in the General Education curriculum. Ten hours of community service is embedded into the course. Faculty help the students make connections between the course content and the service.
WHAT STUDENTS ARE DOING & SAYING…
Rachel Litzinger Service Partner: Cambria County Senior Citizen Center “I was able to show my thanks and love to the senior citizens in my hometown by serving them lunch, playing games and simply interacting with them. A few times I was pushed beyond my usual comfort level so I was able to grow. The work I did was related to my major which was an added bonus.”
Meghan Defrancesco English, Secondary Education, Psychology Major Service Partner: Global Buddies
“Through the Global Buddies program, I met weekly with a student from Saudi Arabia and a student from Peru. We met once a week and shared information about our cultures. I enjoyed it very much. I think that they did too.”
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Gina Shubert Nursing Major
Service Partners: John Paul II Manor Personal Care Home, Best Buddies and Pittsburgh Mercy Shelter “These experiences opened my eyes to see what I am truly being called to do in life...to help others in need. I feel like I made an impact and am growing into the person that God wants me to be.”
McKenna Harbaugh Nursing Major
Service Partner: John Paul II Manor Personal Care Home
“I realized that some of the residents have no family to come visit them. Seeing residents who might not be able to perform simple daily tasks also hit a spot in my heart. I enjoyed my service at John Paull II Manor.”
Community-Engaged Courses
B
uilding on the University’s Franciscan approach to teaching, service and scholarship, Faculty Senate approved the new community-engaged (CE) course designation December 2017. In a CE course, students apply what they are learning in class to meet a community need. The result is an in-depth exploration of an existing social, civil, or ethical problem through the lens of an academic discipline. CE course designation builds on a long-standing tradition of service-learning courses at the University. In 2018-19, a total of 23 courses were CE designated.
Students in “Exercise the Life Span” apply what they are learning in the course to plan and implement the physical education courses under the direction of Dr. Kris Wisniewski at Saint Michael School.
Over the past two years, students in the “Human Toxicology” and “Environmental Chemistry” courses went into the community and took paint and water samples, testing for lead and then offered some lead remediation options to community partners. One student said, “The research nd projects that I have worked on in Dr. Samantha Radford’s courses have sparked my passion to pursue environmental chemistry in graduate school.”
2018 -19 CE Courses Shields School of Business
Be the Change: Social Entrepreneurship Marketing Management Marketing Research
School of Health Sciences & Education
Canine Learning & Behavior Exercise Across the Life Span Exercise Testing & Prescription Introduction to Medicine Occupational Therapy II Occupational Therapy III Research Methods & Statistics I Research Methods & Statistics II Social Work Process I Clinical Exercise Physiology Methods for Cancer Survivors I Patient Client Management V-Neurology 2
Saint Michael School in Loretto and Cambria Care Center were the community partners for the “Franciscan Values for Today” Honors sections. Students were required to complete at least 20 hours at either or both sites, by helping young people with their homework after school, and/or visiting with CCC residents.
School of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics Franciscan Goals for Today-Honors Human Sexuality & Christian Marriage Human Toxicology Principles of Spectroscopy
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University Outreach Centers
Visit francis.edu/Community-Resources/ to learn more about our Outreach Centers and programs for the community.
DiSepio Center for Rural Health & Wellness DiSepio is home for numerous community outreach programs. A few include: • C.A.R.E. (Community Access Rehabilitation for Everyone), a student-run pro bono physical therapy clinic for under-served individuals in the rural community. • Center for Rural Cancer Survivors, a comprehensive interdisciplinary center developed to provide outpatient services to all cancer patients and survivors in need. • Toy Lending Library, a program run by the OT Department that lends toys to families in the community.
Science Outreach Center Science Outreach Center promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by working closely with community partners, primarily K-12 schools. STEM summer programs, Kid’s College Camps and the R-Space (Rural Science, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, and Engineering) program are just a few programs offered to the community.
Dorothy Day Outreach Center Founded by the University in 1981, DDOC provides local families in need with food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance. Special food and gift distribution events occur during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holiday seasons. Dozens of students volunteer hundreds of hours each year to help DDOC clients. Since 2011, Brother Shamus McGrenra, TOR, has raised more than $330, 000 for the DDOC on his Charity Bike rides. This September he will ride from Pittsburgh to New York. For information on the 9th Annual Charity Ride, visit www.francis.edu/PressKit-Brother-Shamus-Charity-Ride/. 6
University Outreach Centers Cont.
Small Business Development Center
SB D C
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
Small Business Development Center Saint Francis University Helping businesses start, grow, and prosper.
Saint Francis University has been home to the SBDC since 1979, providing regional businesses start, grow and prosper. Our SBDC is one of 18 in Pennsylvania. Students in the Shields School of Business can earn scholarships and gain practical experience by assisting SBDC staff as they consult with clients on market research, business plans, financial statements, website development and social media.
Institute for Energy The IFE is a reliable source of energy information for businesses, schools, policy makers and communities. In 2019, its “Tiny Classroom” was selected by the Department of Environmental Protection to receive the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. In 2017-18, more than 950 elementary students and other community members visited the “Tiny Classroom” to learn about renewable energy and sustainability.
The Knee Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation Established in 2016, CSOR is an academic research center within the Shields School of Business. Student fellows have the opportunity to conduct, analyze, and present research that aides in the development of a national database of occupational regulation.
Center for Watershed Research & Service CWRS works collaboratively with numerous local regional non-profit partners in need of watershed restoration, technical assistance, focused research or simply additional manpower. Students from various degree programs are involved, particularly faculty and students in environmental engineering. 7
Community Partnerships
“The bridges we have building in bringing together these two fine education institutions for the betterment of our youth and the future, broadens each year, creating a sense of unity in our community.”
“Thank you for a meaningful and enjoyable visit. It was truly a blessing for us. Your support in in the form of supplies and sharing knowledge is very much appreciated.”
Renee Phister Principal of Staint Michael School, Loretto
Ms. Linda Smith Director of Bahamas Association of the Physically Disabled
“Your visit is an answer to prayer. There is so much need here and the Lord gave us this opportunity. This partnership is beneficial for our students, parents and teachers.”
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Ms. Mandy Moncur Principal of Stapledon School
CCE accepted the New Community Partner Award from Cambria Care Center (CCC) for tireless commitment, dedication and hard work in the partnership. Last spring, 17 honors students volunteered at CCC. They helped in a variety of ways. Joe Stevens, a freshmen Honors Student from Altoona, PA, was recognized as Outstanding Volunteer.
Community Partnership Cont.
“Saint Francis University is a valued partner due to their actions in “becoming that someone.” With every visit to the campus, we have been meet with eager staff and students who have been ready to serve in any capacity.” Ronna Yablonski Executive Director of Cambria County Drug Coalition
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF
ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN “The Diocese has been collaborating with Saint Francis University on numerous projects for many, many years. Recently, I had the pleasure of working with students in Professor McFadden’s Marketing Research CE course. The students helped us better understand the community’s awareness about Rev. Demetrius Gallitzin, as he is under consideration for sainthood by the Catholic Church. The students examined the social and economic impact on Loretto if Rev. Gallitzin is canonized. The information that the students provided us was very useful, and we hope to work with them again as the Cause for Sainthood continues.”
“The University has been so terrific to the Skills organization, especially the senior room. The partnership that the OT Department has developed over the past 12 years is priceless. It is worth a million dollars in gold to myself and the people we support.” Eileen Pierson Skills of Western PA
Pam Seasoltz Director of Stewardship and Development Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
COMMUNITY PARTNER ADVISORY BOARD BLAIR COUNTY
Maria Brandt, ARC of Blair County Pat Miller, ABCD Corp. Pam Seasoltz, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Melanie Ramsey, Hollidaysburg Library Melanie Schildt, United Way of Blair County Sonny Consiglio, St. Vincent DePaul Society Bri Risbon, Blair County Humane Society
CAMBRIA COUNTY
Bill McKinney, United Way of Laurel Highlands Chris Baughman, Cambria County Childhood Development Corp. Renee Phister, St. Michael School Eileen Pierson, Skills of PA Keana Bertocci, Cambria Care Center Sue Sheehan, Respective Solutions Kate Porter & Ronna Yablonski, Cambria County Drug Coalition Ryan Kieta, Johnstown Vision 2025
Interested in becoming a community partner? Contact Lisa Georgiana @ lgeorgiana@francis.edu. 9
H.U.G.S. Helping the Underprivileged by Giving our Service
BAHAMAS
Lisa Georgiana, CCE Director, and Father Joe Lehman, led the HUGS Bahamas trip for the second consecutive year. Science faculty members Dr. Rachel Wagner and Dr. Amanda Martino worked alongside 15 OT students, one PA student, one biology student, and two OT alumni (Shelley Gearhart and Abby Mennett) to help community partners in Nassau. The team worked with the Adventure Learning Centre & Camp (ALCC), the Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled (BAPD), and the Stapledon School. The students served at the BAPD, a daycare for children with physical handicaps, and at the Stapledon School, a government-sponsored special needs school. Faculty member Dr. Jen Misiura was instrumental in preparing the OT students for the projects that were pre-arranged with the community partners. Dr. Wagner and Dr. Martino “scouted” out service sites for science students for future trips. Sites included the ALCC, a popular destination for field trips for Bahamian students; the Bahamas National Trust and the Marine Mammal Operation at Atlantis. They helped with a Mangrove Restoration Project at the ALCC.
“My favorite part of this trip was seeing how adaptable and eager my classmates were to put their skills to practice and bring about positive change.”
Julia Kuehn, Occupational Therapy
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The group also visited the Bahamas Emergency Youth Hostel where they played with the children and presented them with small gifts. Father Joe celebrated Sunday Mass, offered an Ash Wednesday service, and led morning devotions and evening reflections.
Alternative Spring Break Dr. Carrie Beebout, Department Chair, Physician Assistant Program, led the HUGS Ecuador trip where 13 students worked with our community partner the Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children. The group served in Anconcito, a small fishing town on the western peninsula.
ECUADOR
2019
Students (PA, PT, Spanish/Education, and Medical Spanish minors) served in a number of small community centers, providing care and interacting with various patient populations, ranging from pediatric patients to the elderly. They were involved with two health fairs and helped educate local residents on issues such as dental hygiene, HIV prevention, skin cancer, hydration, nutrition, hypertension, and diabetes. Students were also able to perform problem-focused physical examinations on patients. Every member of the team had ample opportunity to improve their Spanish skills. “For many of the students, this was their first time seeing how happy people can be, even though they have so little.”
Dr. Carrie Beebout, Department Head, Physician Assistant Program
“My HUGS Ecuador trip was different from the more common study abroad trips in that we had the opportunity to work in a clinical setting and practice Spanish conversation with real patients. I am very glad that I took this leap of faith to travel to this country and help others.”
Ashlee Stants, Physician Assistant
More than $4,000
in supplies were purchased for our community partners through a major gift from an anonymous SFU alum, Encompass Health, the Capital City Sunrise Rotary Club in New Hampshire, and a few parent gifts. Five gently used laptops were donated by the University’s IT Department and were given to our community partners. 11
A Heart for Service... Students with a heart for service gravitate to Saint Francis University. Community service is deeply embedded in our culture, and is one of the six transformational experiences identified in the University’s strategic plan…Francis 2020.
ATHLETICS
22 Division I athletics teams 4 spirit groups - Cheer, Dance, Pep Band, and Marching Band 540 student-athletes 9,330 community service hours NEC Building Communities Award 2018 and 2019
Athletics
Community Partners & Philanthropies: American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation, Dorothy Day Outreach Center, Zack Hinish Foundation, Penn Cambria School District, St. Michael’s School, Sheetz Sports 4 Kids Day, Special Olympics, Sideline Cancer, Soccer Without Borders, Be The Match, Uplifting Athletes - Rare Disease Research & Awareness, Active Minds, Home Run Against Drugs, Stay In To Win, Team IMPACT, and Cambria Heights Elementary.
GREEKS
12 chapters 400+ students 8,907 community service hours
Greek
Community Partners & Philanthropies: March of Dimes, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, M.A.D.D., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Women’s Help Center, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, St. Jude Hospital, America Cancer Society, Make a Wish Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, Movember, Dreams Go On, America Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Healing Patch and Central PA Humane Society. 12
Service Initiatives
REACHING EVERY DOOR: R.E.D. is an annual day of service for Saint Francis University students. Faculty, staff and students go into the local community to share their time and talents. Gamma Sigma Sigma organizes the event. RED DAY 2018 • 356 students • 868 service hours
Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) brings chemistry alive for students in surrounding school districts. Students perform chemistry experiments, helping youth to understand the importance of chemistry in daily living. The program will celebrate its 25th year in 2019-2020. Since its inception, R.O.C.K. has reached more than 6,000 students, grades K- 12, in the community. Hundreds of events have been coordinated by students under the directory of Professors Ed Zovinka and Rose Clark.
An Annual Sign Day is held each spring and led by American Sign Language students under the guidance faculty member Gale DeArmin. Youth from the local community come to campus to interact with SFU students and learn sign language.
Building Realistic and Integrated Daily-Living Skills, Gaining Experience and Employability Skills (B.R.I.D.G.E.) is a partnership with the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (IU8), the CCE and the Education Department. Once a week, the IU8 brings students to campus for job coaching, social skills instruction, and recreation.
Congratulations to Dr. Peter Skoner, organizer of the annual SCIENCE DAY, which marked its 25th Anniversary last November. • 28 high schools • 60 SFU presenters • 445 high school students • 100 SFU students • 45 high school teachers • 10,000 participants (est. since 1994)
Our students volunteer with organizations such as: Appalachia IU8 Unit Best Buddies Cambria Care Center Cambria County Library System Cambria County Senior Citizen Centers Divine Mercy Catholic Academy Dorothy Day Outreach Center Dreams Go On Elmcroft Assisted Living Global Buddies Gloria Gates Foundation
Goodwill Industries Home Nursing Agency Humane Society John Paul II Manor Assisted Living Facility Penn Cambria School District Skills of PA St. Michael School St. Vincent DePaul Society Turtle Foundation Veterans Home World War II Library & Museum 13
“Become that Someone” Awards CCE hosted the second annual “Become
that Someone” Community Engagement Awards Breakfast last spring. The event celebrated and recognized the University’s distinguished community partners, faculty, staff, and students who have gone the extra length to be engaged with the community. More than 125 guests attended. University President, the Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D. presented the Central PA Humane Society with the Engaged Community Partner award and shared some words from nominator Dr. Sholmit Flaisher-Grinberg who said, “This partnership allows our students to learn skills and develop potential. It allows the dogs to get a second chance in life and find loving “forever” homes. Every time I step into the classroom, I feel fortunate.”
Michael Sell was recognized for his work with local schools, teachers, and parents through a variety of programs offered through the Institute for Energy and the Science Outreach Center. Fittingly enough, he could not be present to accept the award because he was running science labs at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy in Johnstown. George Ryan was recognized for his tireless dedication to projects of the Center for Watershed Research & Service during his undergraduate years. Poster presentations were held in conjunction with event. Thanks to Professors Balog, Moist, McFadden and Zovinka, as well as Ms. Soyoung Burke for the guidance on the posters.
Dr. Kris Wisniewski was recognized for his work with the Evergreen Exercise Clinic and the Center for Rural Cancer Survivorship, as well as his work at St. Michael School. One student nominator wrote, “Professor Wisniewski has unmatched compassion and care, vast knowledge, and a way of teaching difficult concepts in a format that students can understand.”
The first graduating class of the Master of Cancer Care program proudly display their CCE cords for completing more than 100 hours of community service. Commencement 2019 was the first year for graduation adornment cords.
Father Malachi congratulates Bri Risbon, Central PA Humane Society. 14
Michael Sell doing what he does best… teaching local students about sustainability.
“Become that Someone” Awards Cont.
A day in the life of George Ryan.
2019 Award Winners: Bri Risbon, George Ryan, and Dr. Kris Wisniewski (absent was Michael Sell, photo top.)
2018 Award Winners: (Front L to R) Ms. Nicole Bauman, Engaged Staff Member; Dr. Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg, Engaged Faculty Member; Alexandra Cummings, Engaged Student; and Principal Renee Phister from Saint Michael’s Catholic School, Engaged Community Partner. (Back L to R) Ms. Lisa Georgiana, Dr. Wayne Powel, Father Joe Lehman, TOR, Ph.D., Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, Ph.D.
Father Malachi congratulates Dr. Wisniewski.
• Engaged Faculty Member: Dr. Kris Wisniewski, PT Department
• Engaged Community Partner: Central PA Humane Society
• Engaged Student: George Ryan, B.S., Mathematics; B.A., Engineering; Minor, Physical Science
• Engaged Staff Member: Michael Sell, Institute for Energy 15
Faculty Advisory Committee Community Engagement
The FACCE supports CE pedagogy by creating a forum where faculty have a voice related to CCE program development, as well as provide a networking opportunities to share best practices. FACCE was instrumental in the CE course designation process.
Client-Consultant Presentations SFU ENACTUS Excellence Award 2019 FACCE member Dr. Tricia McFadden’s Marketing Research class worked with local businesses, providing pro bono client-consultant marketing services. Clients included the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Central Cambria Education Foundation, DST Drones, Bono’s Custom Leather & Shoe Repair, and Ruga Rue Beef Jerky.
FACCE member Mr. Kent Tonkin and Ms. Nicole Bauman are advisors to student group Enactus which developed the Uwork (Workforce Opportunities through Resource & Knowledge Project). UWork places students in mentorship roles with job-seekers through regional community outreach groups. Community partners included the Center for Community Action, the DDOC, and the Altoona Area School District Adult Education Program.
Vision 2025 Presentation
FACCE member Ms. Angela Balog taught a CE course, “Be the Change: Social Entrepreneurship,” in fall 2018 and spring 2019. The class partnered with Vision 2025, a volunteer-based organization committed to revitalizing Johnstown.
FACCE 2018 -19 Administrative Dr. Karan Powell, Interim VP, Academic Affairs Father Joe Lehman, VP, Mission Integration Lisa Georgiana & Denise Farabaugh, CCE
Shields School of Business Ms. Angela Balog Dr. Tricia McFadden Dr. Kelly Rhodes Mr. Kent Tonkin 16
School of Health Sciences & Education Ms. Gabrielle Cronin, MMS/MHS Ms. Cindy Drenning, Nursing Dr. Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg, Psychology Dr. Theresa Horner, Public Health Dr. Stephanie Ivory, Education Dr. Kara Kobal, Physical Therapy Dr. Jen Misiura, Occupational Therapy Dr. Marnie Moist, Psychology Dr. Lenore Resick, Nursing Dr. Rita Trofino, Nursing Dr. Kris Wisniewski, Exercise Physiology
School of Science Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (STEAM) Dr. Rosemary Bertocci, Religious Studies Dr. Tim Bintrim, Literature and Languages Dr. Lauri Chose, Literature & Languages Dr. Gail Drus, Biology Dr. Samantha Radford, Chemistry Dr. Lanika Ruzhitskaya, Science Outreach Center Dr. Bill Strosnider, Environmental Engineering Dr. Ed Zovinka, Chemistry
2019 International Service Award
Mikayla Bower, ’19, a business management major from
Williamsport, PA, took a leap of faith last January when she participated in service mission trip to the Dominican Republic with the Cru organization (known as Crusaders for Christ). The mission trip was “Meeting God in Missions.” A video of her trip is on YouTube (just type in her name).
Paul Kasunic, ’19, a chemistry major from Butler,
PA, is no stranger to international mission trips. He has participated a HUGS Alternative spring break trip to Costa Rica, he served for three weeks in India in summer 2018. “The HUGS Costa Rica trip during my sophomore year helped me to extend myself through care and compassion to people outside of the SFU community, Paul said. The HUGS trip helped me realize the difference that I could make in people’s lives, and inspired me to plan medical service trip to India on my own. Planning the trip to India was quite an ordeal, but the rewarding experience of serving in the crowded streets of Faridabad, a city one hour away from Delhi, was worth it. Serving on the streets showed me the importance of respecting the uniqueness of individual persons, and service to the poor and needy.”” While in India, he shadowed doctors and surgeons, volunteered at a local orphanage, worked in a medical camp, and helped at a pharmacy where the primary language was not his own tongue, but Hindi. In summer 2019, Paul will be serving in Peru, volunteering in a hospital, a nursery, and visiting the sick. He will continue his studies at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and has agreed to serve in Ghana during his summers while in medical school.
Her softball coach and nominator, Jessica O’Donnell, wrote: “Mikayla helped with gardening, construction, and baseball players in the Dominican Republic, as well as attended gatherings to worship and praise God daily in the churches. Mikayla was the ONLY girl at the baseball gathering with MORE than a hundred kids who were anxious to meet and work with anyone who could teach them the game. The baseball fields were run down, but that didn’t stop the kids or Mikayla from finding value in teaching and learning Coach went on to say, through love, service, and joy.” “If you know Mikayla Bower, you know she is kind-hearted and driven to make a difference. She is extremely selfless and finds motivation to lead others through God’s word every day. When I think about our Franciscan Values here at Saint Francis, Mikayla embodies all of them, not only on her mission trip to the Dominican Republic, but in her everyday life at the University.”
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#SFUServes AMBASSAD R
The SFUServes Ambassador Program pairs students with faculty who are teaching community-engaged (CE) courses or who organize large service initiatives. Students gain valuable leadership and planning skills, as well as wages.
11 Programs
32 Student
Ambassadors
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• American Sign Language • Center for Watershed Research & Service • Community Apiary & Gardens • Exercise Physiology 312: CE course • Institute for Energy • Multicultural Fair • Psychology 420: CE Course • Science Outreach Center • R.O.C.K. (Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids) • Toy Lending Library • World War II Museum
MOM-n-PA
Dental Mission Dr. Justin Merry, Associate
Professor of Biology, Ms. Jen Merry, Assistant Director of Marketing Strategy, and Dr. Tim Bintrim, Professor of English and Environmental Studies, led a delegation of nine student volunteers to MOM-n-PA, the Pennsylvania Dental Mission of Mercy, held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre June 7-8, 2019. Now in its eighth year, MOM-n-PA is a huge event that serves about 1,800 people over two days, each year delivering a million dollars in free dental services to the underserved. Saint Francis University has sent a student delegation to the Mom-nPA clinics every year since 2016. “Experiences such as this are transformational for our students, prompting them to step out of their comfort zone, and often helping them to affirm career paths,� said Lisa Georgiana, CCE Director.
Thanks to Mr. Frank Embon, Class of 1959, whose generous support helps cover the cost of this annual trip.
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Advocacy: Sideline Cancer Cont.
Advocacy:
Sideline Cancer
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In 2016, Saint Francis University established the first collegiate level Sideline Cancer chapter in the United States. Since then, Red Flash athletics teams have hosted numerous contests to the support the cause, which is to find a cure for cancer.
SFU Sideline Cancer is the main philantrophy for the women’s and men’s volleyball programs.
Advocacy: Sideline Cancer Cont.
In 2018 -19
, the community partnership with the Griffith Family Foundation extended to faculty and graduate students in the University’s Master of Cancer Care program, Center for Rural Cancer Survivorship. Dr. Stephen Baker and Dr. Ivan Mulligan, two of the three Center Directors, participated in the “I CAN Sideline Cancer Pancreatic Cancer” symposium last April in Altoona. The Saint Francis University Sideline Cancer team will be a part of another sympoisum to be held at Penn Sate University, spring 2020.
A special thanks to our Sideline Cancer sponsor since 2016, SFU alum Dr. Jim Burke class of 1988, and Allegheny Brain and Spine Surgeons.
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Service by the numbers* TOTAL SERVICE HOURS ......... 22,328* VALUED AT ......... $551,278**
By Gender
HOURS
Total Community-engaged courses Co-curricular service
By School
Shields School of Business School of Health Sciences & Education STEAM
22,328 6,664 15,664
3,085 14,898 4,345
Female Male
17,964 4,364
By Class Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors
3,933 4,387 6,438 7,571
Average hours served per student with service record Shields School of Business School of Health Sciences & Education School of Science, Techonology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics
15 26 18
73 % FT undergraduate students have a service record. *2018-19 full-time undergraduate students ** Value of a service hour is $24,69, according to the Independent Sector.
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#LIVETHEGOSPEL
#HEARTFORSERVICE
#ENGAGEDSTUDENTS
#SPIRITPEACEJUSTICE
#JOY&LOVE #MUTUALLYBENEFICIAL
#SFUSERVES #ENERGYSHARED #CAREFORCREATION
#COMMONGOOD
#HUGS
#RESPECT #FRANCISCAN
#FAITH #GENEROUSITY
