Springfield, MO: January 29, 2014 — More than 50 Springfield community agencies were represented at Missouri State University’s Community Service Fair, a record-setting amount. This event, a collaborative effort between MSU’s Citizenship and Service-Learning and Community Involvement & Service, was held in the Plaster Student Union, where students, faculty, and staff frequently visit. There, community agencies could provide information and insight about their organization’s missions, as well as tell visitors about the countless upcoming events in the Springfield community.
Students were able to discover impactful volunteer opportunities and service-learning partnerships. CASL Director, Kathy Nordyke noted, “What a wonderful opportunity for our Service-Learning students to meet with Community Partners to discuss first-hand how they, as students, might engage in community-based problem solving and addressing social justice issues.”Students enrolled in Service-Learning from various academic disciplines were able to meet with partners and discuss goals for the semester.
“Because there are so many great Community Partners out there for students to connect with, it can be difficult for some students to narrow down Service-Learning opportunities. This event gave many students a chance to put a face to a name, and to make a lasting initial contact with agencies they will be serving throughout the semester,” said Alex Johnson, Program Coordinator for Service-Learning.
Community Partners also noted success from the event, “All of the stuents we spoke with were very engaged– They weren’t talking with us just to get a free pen,” said one representative. It is encouraging to hear that students at Missouri State are genuinely invested in their community.
“It was great to have so many community partners come out and share what they do for Springfield with students at Missouri State University. Making these connections between students and the community to foster an investment into Springfield is what Missouri State is about,” said Patrick Grayshaw, Director of Community Involvement & Service.
Join us next time, as we continue to impact the Springfield community!