Andrea Hawkins

Opinions Editor

 

For three consecutive years Mesa State College has been recognized as a President’s Honor Roll Member. This year MSC moved up the Honor Roll as a Distinction Member in recognition of MSC’s achievements in community service. 

According to a MSC press release, students contributed more than 600,000 man-hours worth over $6.2 million. 

The Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is one of many clubs on campus that contribute time and effort to help the community.

PBL offers opportunities for students who want to succeed in business and develop skills through participating and planning fundraisers and community services ventures. According to PBL President Justin Kawcak, members participate in activities that help them develop their abilities, while contributing to the improvement of the community in which they live, their school, and their chapter.

“We are very proud of our students and this is just one example of the benefits of having this college and these students in this community,” said MSC President Tim Foster in a press release.

MSC is one of six colleges and universities in Colorado recognized on the President’s Honor Roll. There are many factors that a school must meet to qualify for such an honor. They range from the innovation and scope of the community service to the percentage of students who are involved. 

The PBL’s next big project is to participate in The March of Dimes. They plan to help fundsraise with the Signature Chef Dinner, and they also participate in the March for Babies. 

“I didn’t know that MSC had been honored, but I think that it’s great,” said Laura Van Roekel, PBL vice president of finance.  

This 2009 community service focus for the President’s Honor Roll is disadvantaged youth. PBL has done their part by helping the Angel Tree and Toys for Tots. They have also put in many hours with Hospice and Palliative Care as well as the Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. 

Many MSC departments and clubs are involved in community service projects, so students don’t have to look very far to get involved. 

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apitchfo@mesastate.edu