SU Opens Student Volunteer Center

Tuesday February 16, 2010

Ashley Dickinson, Sammy Seagull, Dr. Becky Emery, and Gwendlyn Jackson — From left: During the grand opening of the SU Student Volunteer Center, graduate assistant Ashley Dickinson; Sammy the Sea Gull; Dr. Becky Emery, director of the Career Services Office; and Gwendlyn Jackson hold student-made blankets donated to Project Linus.

SALISBURY, MD---Community service has long been a hallmark of Salisbury University education. Now, students have an easier way to learn about volunteer opportunities.

SU recently created a Student Volunteer Center (SVC), where community groups may register for student assistance. The center offers information about organizations, on campus and off, that provide volunteer opportunities for students. The SVC has enjoyed collaborative ties with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Shore CAN Volunteer Center.

“We wanted a place where students could easily learn about volunteering,” said Dr. Rebecca Emery, director of SU’s Career Services Office. “It’s a win-win for the students and for the community.”

So far, some 432 students have volunteered through the SVC. Some 40 community partners are currently seeking volunteers for more than 50 projects.

Area non-profit organizations may sign up to post listings through the center’s Web site, www.salisbury.edu/volunteer. Students may also check the Web site for up-to-date volunteer listings.
To develop the SVC, a committee was formed with expertise from faculty members, PACE, Athletics and the

Student Affairs, Housing, Student Activities and Career Services offices. Committee members included Jennifer Blackwell, P.J. Boggio, Edwin Cowell, Dr. Rebecca Emery, Charlie Endicott, Dr. Dane Foust, Dr. Dennis Leoutsakas, Ginie Lynch, Matthew McGinnis, Ann Obert and Dr. George Whitehead.

For more information or to sign up visit the center’s Web site at www.salisbury.edu/volunteer.