LAKELAND (March 5, 2013) – For the sixth consecutive year, Florida Southern College has been named to The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its commitment to community service and service learning.
The College was one of fewer than 700 nationwide and just 23 in Florida to be named to the Honor Roll.

The honor, announced by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.

As part of its commitment to prepare students to make positive and significant contributions to the world, the College has integrated academic learning with community service. Through Student Awareness Generates Action (SAGA), the innovative, cross-curricular program that promotes service learning, students gain exposure to social problems and actively participate with organizations in making substantial enhancements to the community.

“Florida Southern College once again has demonstrated that our students are committed to making a positive and consequential impact on society, and we are gratified that the Corporation for National and Community Service has recognized that,” said FSC President Anne Kerr.

Inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, the Honor Roll celebrates the volunteer spirit that exists within the higher education community.

According to the most recent Volunteering and Civic Life in America report, in 2012, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country – a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.

“Communities are strengthened when we all come together, and we are encouraged that these institutions and their students have made service a priority,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a statement. “Civic engagement should be a key component of every student’s education experience. Through reaching out to meet the needs of their neighbors, these students are deepening their impact, strengthening our democracy and ultimately preparing themselves to be successful citizens.”