Centenary Receives Presidential Honor for Community Service

Today Centenary College of Louisiana announced its selection for the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Centenary has received the honor for five years in a row since the program started in 2006.

The annual honor recognizes colleges for a demonstrated commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. The Honor Roll is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that oversees national service and promotes volunteerism.

“This is a tremendous honor for Centenary to be named again to this list of colleges and universities who take pride in developing student leaders through service to their communities,” said Chris Lavan, Centenary’s Director of Community and Intercultural Engagement and alumnus of the school. “We continuously engage our students in a way that integrates living, learning, and action, and therefore helps them to learn more about themselves and their community through the act of “giving back.”

“Centenary students dive into community service with a passion that’s inspiring,” said Centenary’s Vice President for Student Development Betsy Eaves. “Whether helping prepare tax returns for local residents or cleaning up area neighborhoods, our students know what it means to serve the community – and in the process, they learn more about themselves.”

Each year Centenary faculty, students, alumni, and friends participate in the Big Event. The Big Event is a student-led, large scale, day of service which unites Centenary with its surrounding neighbors to build relationships, express gratitude, and enhance the community that has supported the college for over one-hundred years.

At the BIG Event, students, faculty, staff, and alumni all come together to act as neighbors helping neighbors. Together, we work to beautify the surrounding neighborhoods of Centenary College, to show our gratitude for their support of our community, and to allow us to give back and connect with the Shreveport community. Volunteers have the opportunity to choose from various helpful activities, including exterior home improvement, basic landscaping, and inside services.

Throughout the year the College and its Students participate in not only the Big Event but several community service projects such as renovations, mission trips, fundraiser events, community events, etc to support the surrounding community and the College's missions statement.

We hope that our service and dedication inspires you and prompts you to check out what we have to offer at Centenary and WHY we are who we are!