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President’s Volunteer Service Award
Fresno State will award 98 student volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service. On Monday, May 16, at the University House, University President John D. Welty will host “The Service Awards Reception: Honoring the Spirit of Community at California State University, Fresno.”
“California State University, Fresno is extremely proud to join the President of the United States in recognizing the volunteers who consistently take the time to make a difference in the lives of others,” said President Welty. “Volunteers strengthen America and inspire others to get involved. We are proud to honor our student volunteers who are answering the call with this award.”
Established in 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Award is available on an annual basis to individuals and groups who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. The American Humanics Program serves as our campus’ Certifying Organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, allowing the university to nominate potential recipients and distribute the award to those who meet or exceed the award criteria.
Fresno State has a long history of civic engagement. Students, faculty and staff recognize the importance of being involved in the community to meet the needs of their neighborhoods and the community.
The Radin Foundation, through the Community Service Scholarship Program, has played a key role in the building of the community service initiatives on campus. Students involved in 150 hours of service to their community during a semester may apply for a $1,200 scholarship through this program. This year the Community Service Scholarship Program announced a $3,000 “Spirit of Community Scholarship Award” in memory of Marc and Marge Radin to the University Student Volunteer of the Year.
Approximately 4,800 Fresno State students perform over 192,000 hours of service in the community each year. These figures, aggregated across many programs, represent a total economic impact of nearly $3.3 million, not including the significant contributions to the community provided through student clubs and organizations.
“These students receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award are role models for all of us,” Chris Fiorentino, coordinator for Students for Community Service at Fresno State, said. “Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering.”
The award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group created by President Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making to our Nation. Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofits and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.
“Our students should strive to earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award every year,” said Dr. Matthew A. Jendian, director of the American Humanics Program at Fresno State. “The strength and success of our Valley depends on every one of us taking an active role in the community where we live.”
Also during the May 16 reception, several "Quiet Heroes" will be recognized for their steadfast commitment and quiet leadership of the university's community service-learning efforts. These include:
- Dr. Ethelynda Harding, Director of Teaching, Learning and Technology
California State University, Fresno
- Ms. Molly Fagundes, President, Associated Students Inc.
California State University, Fresno
- Dr. Charles "Skip Sherwood, Faculty Emeriti
California State University, Fresno
- The Office of Community Service-Learning,
CSU Office of the Chancellor
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