Fresno State reached a new milestone in community service by students, faculty, staff and administrators during the 2014-15 academic year, volunteering a record 1,324,843 hours of service. This is the 6th consecutive year the university community has contributed over 1 million hours of service in a single year. A total of 14,910 volunteers spent time serving local community benefit organizations and community events in the past academic year.

According to philanthropic standards, the estimated economic impact of Fresno State’s community service exceeds $36.4 million.

Much of Fresno State’s volunteer efforts are coordinated through the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning, directed by Chris Fiorentino. “The real impact is seen in the lives of students who serve and the lives of those their service touches,” Fiorentino said. “Research shows that Fresno State students who are involved in service during their undergraduate years have greater academic and career success when compared to their non-serving peers.”

Among the dozens of projects and organizations supported this year are Central California Blood Center, Mediator Mentors, Reading and Beyond, Jumpstart Fresno, Bulldog Pantry and Alternative Spring Break, ASI’s Community Revitalization effort, and Humanics at Fresno State.

Classes for Fresno State’s 2015-16 academic year start Aug. 25 and Fiorentino believes the campus will maintain its level of engagement. “Each year we set out to build on the momentum we have established and I am confident we will once again surpass one million hours of service in the upcoming academic year.”

This year’s efforts will kick-off with the annual Community Service Opportunities Fair 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. September 2 in front of the Kennel Bookstore. Over 70 agencies will be on hand to share information with students about service opportunities. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in on-site mini-service projects through the “Taste of Service” event, held directly adjacent to the Community Service Opportunities Fair.

For more information, contact Chris Fiorentino at chrisf@csufresno.edu.

 

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