Old Westbury, NY - December 30th, 2014 - SUNY College at Old Westbury has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the seventh consecutive year.  The Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support exemplary community service programs and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus community partnerships. During the past year, Old Westbury students have completed over 16,000 hours of service to various local organizations.

“As part of our mission, we believe in integrating the classroom and the community,” said College President Calvin O. Butts, III. “By receiving this award, we are inspired to continue our commitment to service-learning and lifelong civic engagement.”

Honor Roll honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors, including the scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service-learning is embedded in the curriculum, the school's commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes as a result of the service.

Old Westbury was again recognized for its First Year Student Engagement program, an initiative of the College’s Community Action, Learning and Leadership Program. Through the Old Westbury program, freshman students are required to study the importance of civic engagement in their own lives and in the life of a community. Then, they are each required to take part in 50 hours of service with pre-selected regional not-for-profit partners or on campus, including placements in human service, education, recreation, health care, environmental justice, government and other organizations.

“Participating in community service is an important part of any college experience, and a hallmark of our strategic plan,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Each of our SUNY campuses has an astounding array of options for students as well as faculty and staff to give back to their local communities, and to have a greater impact on communities across the country and abroad. Congratulations and thank you to the campuses recognized by the President’s Honor Roll this year.”

The Corporation for National and Community Service has administered the awards since 2006 in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the American Council on Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core.