University of Vermont

Julie Richards, senior lecturer in social work, won the Outstanding Service-Learning Faculty Award at the Community-University Partnerships and Service Learning annual recognition reception on April 28 for her integration of community-based projects with course content in classes such as "Social Work Practice in India."

Senior Michael Haulenbeek won the Outstanding Service-Learning Student Award for his work as a service-learning teaching assistant in the environmental studies and natural resources course "Systems Thinking for Sustainability." Also nominated for the student award were social work students Connor McFadden and Leanne Avery; Hung Mai, a graduate assistant in College of Education and Social Service; and Sarah Sterling in Community Development and Applied Economics.

The Outstanding Service-Learning Community Partner Award went to the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger and Joyce Shaw of the St. Barnabas Anglican School in Cayo, Belize. The following individuals and organizations were nominated in the same category: Orchard Elementary School; Saraswati Mandir Trust; Women Helping Battered Women; Women's Rape Crisis Center; and the New Sudan Education Initiative.

Since the creation of the CUPS Office in 2003, the number of documented service-learning classes per year has more than tripled. In the 2008-2009 academic year, more than 60 UVM courses integrated community-based learning elements. Community-based research has followed suit with increased numbers of faculty participating in research that is designed and carried out in collaboration with community partners.

Information: Office of Community-University Partnerships and Service-Learning website.