Cornell College honored for service

Cornell College has been named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

The honor roll recognizes schools that offer high-quality community service programs in general community service, interfaith service, economic opportunity, and education. Cornell College was named to the education honor roll, one of only five Iowa schools on the list and one of 14 total Iowa schools recognized.

Cornell was previously recognized in 2012, 2010, 2009, and 2008. (Note: Because of a change in the way years were counted, there was no 2011 Honor Roll.)

This year, the college was honored for two programs that work with local schools, the Lunch Buddies program and Backpack Books.

In 2013-2014, the Lunch Buddies program had 81 volunteers mentoring 68 third graders at Washington Elementary in Mount Vernon. In addition to regular visits, group Lunch Buddy events have provided an opportunity for mentors to build relationships with their buddies outside of school through sledding, games, and various other events.

Last year Cornell students began mentoring students outside of Mount Vernon, as well. In its first year, this tutoring program, started by Jacob Fields ’14 collected more than 1,700 new books to distribute to three area school districts. In addition to donating books, Cornell supplied 35 tutors to 78 students.

The college offers multiple opportunities for students to be involved in community service and civic engagement, including Cornell’s nationally-recognized Alternative Spring Break program and the civic engagement minor, which combines service with academics.