University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

CSUN Receives Presidential Recognition for Its Service to the Community

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Oct. 26, 2006) -- Cal State Northridge has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for General Community Service by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Northridge was one of 12 California State University campuses to receive national honors from the White House and the Corporation, an independent federal agency tasked with fostering an ethic of volunteerism and service in America.

"This national recognition of CSUN’s university-wide community service programs, both in academic and student affairs, reinforces the value of our students’ work," said Maureen Rubin, founder of Northridge’s Center for Community Service-Learning and interim director of undergraduate studies. "The honor underscores CSUN’s commitment to linking student learning with addressing community needs. Recognition from the White House for those efforts is most appreciated."

The Center for Community Service-Learning at Cal State Northridge was created in 1998 to inspire, encourage and support students and faculty in their pursuit of academic excellence through involvement in meaningful community service that is linked to explicit learning objectives, preparation and reflection.

CSUN students in approximately 60 classes per semester perform a wide variety of education, outreach activities, direct aid or public policy analysis and research for the benefit of the community.

In addition, the Matador Involvement Center and the Office of Student Outreach and Recruitment both sponsor a variety of service programs in which CSUN students volunteer with local community-based programs and agencies. They tutor and mentor at-risk youth and help local nonprofit agencies achieve their missions in many ways.

The other honored California State University campuses were Monterey Bay, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Chico, San Marcos, San Jose, Fresno, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, San Diego and San Francisco.

The President’s Honor Roll is co-sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The recognition is presented in cooperation with Campus Compact, a national coalition of nearly 1,000 college and university presidents, and supported by all major national higher education associations. More than 500 colleges applied for the Honor Roll in its inaugural year.