A List 8/27/01 SLU TO LAUNCH VOLUNTEERISM PROGRAM NAMED FOR DAVID GARNER CANTON - This fall, St. Lawrence University will launch the David Garner Center for Collegiate Volunteerism, along with its Student Leadership Academy. The program recognizes the work of Class of 1954 St. Lawrence graduate David R. Garner, a Canton attorney and historic preservationist who died in 1999, in the local community, and the relationship that Garner had with his alma mater. According to Vice President and Dean of Student Life and Co-Curricular Education Marcia L. Petty, the overriding goal for the Center - to be housed in Hulett-Jencks Residence Hall on campus - is to create non-curricular and co-curricular volunteer opportunities for students that will "deepen an ethic of civic responsibility and service." Drawing from the knowledge that experiential learning enhances student learning beyond the classroom, the Center will: - Connect campus and the community-at-large in potent, more vital relationships through one-time or on-going volunteer experiences - Make a direct impact on the quality of life for communities and the well-being of its members - Deepen participants' understanding of national and community problems Center professionals will meet those objectives by: - Meeting with community public service agencies to understand their needs and the level of volunteer participation desired - Establishing a bank of community agencies providing service opportunities - Holding on-campus volunteer fairs where representatives from community service agencies directly contact prospective volunteers with information on agency needs - Acting as a clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities for students and student organizations - Establishing a resource library for volunteers - Supporting and educating collegiate volunteers with orientation sessions and training workshops - Working with the University's well-established curricular service-learning program - Implementing at the local level national service opportunities such as "Make A Difference Day" and Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week - Coordinating and facilitating the volunteer efforts of collegiate-run service organizations - Developing "alternative spring break" trips for students who want a vacation with purpose by connecting them with a national service project - Continuously monitoring and evaluating volunteer experiences through individual and group discussions and surveys - Celebrating volunteers and the work they have contributed with, for example, volunteer recognition banquets St. Lawrence has for many years had a strong and effective service-learning initiative, where students engage in service work for academic credit; that program will continue. Some students express an interest in volunteer service, but prefer participation in activities outside of the academic venue. This new initiative seeks to respond to that student interest, with a goal of making an even greater impact on the larger community, and providing a way for students to develop their skills and abilities, in the spirit of Garner's efforts. Petty commented, "A liberal arts education is one that is well-rounded both curricularly and co-curricularly. We want students to understand that we can't divorce ourselves from the community or the world in which we live, while they are here and especially when they leave to take their places in society. Volunteerism really is at the heart of what it means to be fully human and fully engaged in life-long learning and we expect that our students will find inspiration from the Center's programs." Garner's wife, author and scholar Kendall F. Taylor, said that it is her hope that the Center will "inspire a whole new generation of young people towards volunteerism and community service. David's commitment to community, and the goal of making Canton a better place to live, evolved from his father, a Unitarian-Universalist minister, educated, like David, at St. Lawrence. The University played an important role in forming the sense of civic responsibility in both father and son. David's ultimate intention in trying to preserve Canton's history was to encourage a sense of civic pride and to foster community loyalty, responsibility and involvement. Since this is St. Lawrence's mission as well - locally, nationally and on a global scale - the David Garner Center will further support this endeavor." Garner was an historic preservationist who worked tirelessly over three decades to restore some of Canton's historic treasures. Responsible for locating and facilitating the installation of the village's antique street lamps, town clock and fountain in the park, he also restored three central buildings on Main Street.-30- Back To News Releases Back to St. Lawrence Homepage