UNC Chapel Hill graduating Senior, Orlando Mendoza, accompanied by Dr. Ron Strauss, Executive Vice Provost and Chief International Officer.
Across North Carolina, spring commencements honor the diligence and achievements of graduates. Several member campuses reserve special recognition for engaged students during these celebrations.
At UNC Chapel Hill on May 9, the 251 members of the 10th class of Buckley Public Service Scholars were honored at a ceremony in Memorial Hall, highlighting their years of service while at Carolina. All graduates received a Carolina blue and white cord to wear at commencement on May 11 to represent their achievement. The Buckley Public Service Scholars program is open to all interested UNC Chapel Hill undergraduate students committed to making a positive impact through service. Participants must complete service-learning classes and other trainings, along with 300 hours of documented community service. While completing the program components, participants build portfolios reflecting their learning and unique experiences throughout North Carolina, the nation and the world. Read more about the 2014 graduating class of Buckley Public Service Scholars in the 2014 graduation bulletin.
UNC Asheville’s Community Engaged Scholars program honored 7 graduates this spring. The Community Engaged Scholar honor is one of five academic recognitions given to graduating students at UNCA. It provides the opportunity for students to become deeply involved in service-learning in Asheville and Western North Carolina — and receive recognition for their efforts. Key Center Program Coordinator Selena Hilemon notes, “We have seen an incredible growth of interest for the coming semesters. Since this is only the second year of the program, we hope to nurture it’s growth in the coming years.”
Community Engaged Scholars complete a number of activities during their time at UNCA, including 2 service-learning courses and the completion of a public service project and paper that appears in the university’s online Journal of Undergraduate Public Service Projects.
Western Carolina University’s new Lily Community Engagement Award graduated its first honoree in December 2013.
WCU senior Adam Ray receiving first Lily Award in December 2013.
This May, the program recognized 4 graduates. At least 5 other students have been working toward the honor in anticipation of their upcoming graduations.
To earn the Lily Award, WCU students have to earn 100 points by doing eligible service activities & reflecting on them. Most of the points come from direct service activities, but the students can also earn points through philanthropy or awareness programs. Students who earn the Lily Award are recognized with a certificate at an annual awards banquet. When they graduate, they get a green honors cord to wear with their regalia (if their GPA is 3.25 or above), they become honorary members of the Cullowhee Lily Society (through the Alumni Association), and they have a Cullowhee lily planted in their honor.
If your college or university has a service recognition honor for graduates, please contact lgarvin@elon.edu to share your program’s information.