While community service has been an integral part of a Denison University education since the 1940s, the establishment of the John W. Alford Center for Service Learning in April 1997 enabled the college to bring under one roof an array of activities related to service learning.

Made possible by a generous gift from Mr. Alford, the endowment has enabled Denison to provide transportation to service learners, to support faculty development, and to assist students and faculty in attending conferences and workshops that advance our shared purposes regarding civic engagement and education.

Through the activities of the Denison Community Association, America Reads, and Curricular service learning, the Center for Service Learning supports Denison’s mission, which begins with these words:

Our purpose is to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society. Through an emphasis on active learning, we engage students in the liberal arts, which fosters self-determination and demonstrates the transformative power of education. We envision our students’ lives as based upon rational choice, a firm belief in human dignity and compassion unlimited by cultural, racial, sexual, religious or economic barriers, and directed toward an engagement with the central issues of our time.

Service learning courses use community service and structured reflection in order to provide students with experience in applying concepts and skills to “real world” needs. The activities undertaken address a problem or concern identified by a community partner, and could include a wide range of activities, from environmental issues to educational needs of the community.

Learn more about service learning at Denison by linking to www.denison.edu/campuslife/servicelearning/