NYU receives service award

Boasting a wide range of community service organizations, NYU has been named to President Obama's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction.

Launched in 2006, the federal recognition is the highest that a university can receive for its community service contributions.

NYU spokesman John Beckman said he was pleased that the university was recognized.
"We think it is an appropriate way to highlight all the great work done by students, faculty, administrators and staff," he said.

Beckman said 15,000 NYU students were involved in service projects during the 2008-09 academic year. Often they are involved in tutoring programs like America Reads and America Counts, or provide assistance to Lower East Side residents through the organization University Settlement.

Stern freshman Abraham Dominguez became involved with America Reads at the beginning of the 2009 fall semester.

"Their bright faces made me want to come to help out," Dominguez said. "I decided to continue to be involved in service with NYU because it allows me to feel connected with the community surrounding the campus and it allows me to have a hand in the educational progression of the children and help them succeed in settling their educational foundation."

Community service is central to the NYU experience, said Stern junior Aashish Shah, the chair of Alternative Breaks, which organizes student service trips during university vacations.

"NYU realizes the unique position that it is in and takes advantage of this to not only provide opportunities to become service-oriented, but develop ways to think service-oriented," Shah said. "NYU is developing an army of individuals who are not only knowledgeable, but driven to make a difference in the world."

Charlotte Evans is a staff writer. E-mail her at university@nyunews.com.

Charlotte Evans is a staff writer.