Stony Brook - As colleges across the country honor their graduates this commencement season, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) honored Stony Brook University as a leader among institutions of higher education for their support of volunteering, service learning, and civic engagement. Stony Brook University was admitted to the 2010 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with distinction for its strong institutional commitment to service and compelling campus-community partnerships that produce measurable results for the community.

The Corporation for National and Community Service, which has administered the Honor Roll since 2006, admitted a total of 641 colleges and universities for their impact on issues from literacy and neighborhood revitalization to supporting at-risk youth. Of that total, 511 were named to the Honor Roll, 114 received the recognition of Honor Roll with distinction, 11 were identified as finalists, and six received the Presidential Award.

"As members of the class of 2011 cross the stage to pick up their diplomas, more and more will be going into the world with a commitment to public service and the knowledge that they can make a difference in their communities and their own lives through service to others, thanks to the leadership of these institutions," said Patrick A. Corvington, Chief Executive Officer of CNCS. "Congratulations to Stony Brook University and its students for their dedication to service and commitment to improving their local communities. We salute all the Honor Roll awardees for embracing their civic mission and providing opportunities for their students to tackle tough national challenges through service."

"Stony Brook University is a community organization in every sense," said
Stony Brook University President, Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., who strongly encourages community engagement among students. "It is most evident as I interact with people in the community, who talk to me about the kind and positive things our students are doing in so many different realms, whether it's building houses, helping to teach, getting involved with important programs dealing with domestic violence. Our students are learning to communicate and develop specific skills. This is a time when our students are truly setting their path for the future."

An estimated 9,000 Stony Brook students participate in service annually, more than 100 courses with a service component were offered in several academic departments exceeding 2,000 in student enrollment. Entities on campus host middle school and high school programs from low-income school districts. Examples of community engagement efforts from across campus include:

 • Medical Center hosted 106 lectures, 61 health fairs and health screenings (6,786 people). The HOPE (Health Occupations Partnership for Excellence) and PAR FORE programs are part of SBUMC's Health Initiative for Underserved Communities which works with grassroots organizations to improve access to higher education, provide community health education programs and screenings, and support efforts to meet the needs of people living in underserved communities.

 • In 2009-2010 41,000 hours of service were completed by students through the AmeriCorps, VISTA and VCS programs coordinated by the Career Center, which has relationships with 1,000+ community agencies on Long Island and in NYC - an estimated 45,000 additional hours were completed by students performing service through other venues, such as service learning projects, fraternities, clubs, and organizations.

 • 175 courses with a service component were offered in 18 academic departments with 2,675 students enrolled.

 • $16 million in philanthropic research grants were received in 2008-2009 to support, create, and sustain programs related to improvements within the community and surrounding areas.

 • $200,000 was raised through SEFA faculty/staff campaign to support 175 health and human services agencies. The student-run Rise Again Haiti campaign raised $20,000 and the 'Tis the Season campaign organized by the National Residence Hall Honorary raised $17,000.

 • SOMAS students and faculty worked to provide sustainable water supplies in Tanzania.

 • All efforts are aligned with SUNY's "Citizen SUNY" community engagement strategic plan.

The above listing is a representative sampling of the collective accomplishments of Stony Brook University students, faculty, and staff in community engagement. While community members benefit from University involvement, service also has an impact on those who perform it. Stony Brook students have reported that they have developed a deeper understanding of community problems, transferable skills, and motivation for sustained involvement as engaged citizens.