The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll has recognized Linfield College for leadership in civic engagement and service-learning. This is the sixth time since 2008 that Linfield has received this honor for its commitment to community, service-learning and civic engagement.
Last year, more than 600 Linfield students volunteered more than 8,810 hours of service. The primary areas of focus included conservation and environmental sustainability, mentorship and empowerment of disadvantaged youth and outreach to those who are homeless, hungry or living in poverty.
Students collaborate with the McMinnville School District and others to provide tutoring and after-school programming for children and teens. They serve at soup kitchens and in local shelters, make blankets for the homeless, provide assistance for various youth education programs and help create and maintain nearby hiking paths. Some spend spring break building homes, maintaining national parks or volunteering elsewhere.
“This national recognition mirrors what many of us already know about Linfield’s dedication to community,” said Joni Tonn, director of community engagement and service at Linfield. “Not only do student groups and individuals actively volunteer, but many faculty take part in community-engaged service and research. Our students take pride in the impact and change they bring, and truly serve for the sake of service and not recognition. It’s incredibly heartening to witness and be a part of.”
Linfield students not only volunteer locally, but they participate in humanitarian projects across the globe. Linfield is ranked in the top 40 in the nation for participation in study abroad programs, and sponsors service-learning projects that include health care, outreach to children and housing.
