Alyssa Navarro
Staff Writer
The White House recognized University of La Verne with the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll award for their exemplary interfaith and community service contributions.
Each year the President of the United States recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of honorable community service and achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes in communities through service.
“It’s the perfect example of who we are as a university because our faculty and our students understand and believe the point of common understanding between and among individuals of different faiths,” said University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman.
The ceremony drew presidents of higher education institutions, including students, administrators and chaplains of various universities Sept. 23 at George Washington University.
University of La Verne representatives included Lieberman, University Chaplain Zandra Wagoner, Interim Provost Jonathan Reed, Professor of Religion and Philosophy Richard Rose, Office of Civic and Community Engagement Director Marisol Morales and student representatives Mariela Martinez and Sakhile Sithole.
“The fact that I was chosen as a representative, since I am atheist and technically it was awarded at an interfaith conference, is a sign of how diverse and open minded the University is,” Martinez, a sophomore, said.
Several programs made the University stand out among interfaith cooperation and community service programs at other universities.
One of the programs that set La Verne apart from other institutions was the Freshman La Verne Experience Community Engagement Day.
“Our commitment to interfaith and community engagement together cuts across the curriculum and co-curriculum efforts, “ Lieberman said.
As part of the orientation program, freshmen are given the opportunity to engage in various volunteer projects. It gives new students the opportunity to learn to know the faculty and students while also making a positive impact in the community.
The University’s summer camp programs are also an example of La Verne’s commitment to service.
La Verne’s REACH Business Camp, teaches high school juniors and seniors how to develop a business plan while experiencing campus life. Selected high school students take part in an exciting three-week program staffed by faculty members along with guest speakers who volunteer their time in teaching seminars and workshops on a range of subjects including financial literacy, business management, organizational behavior, marketing and economics.
La Verne shined in the area of interfaith cooperation, another component of the award.
Through the Summer Service Program, students are able to earn credit and a scholarship by pairing students with religious, secular and social service organizations. It emphasizes leadership development, personal, and spiritual growth.
Common Ground, La Verne’s interfaith student club, puts on various events throughout the year to promote friendship and understanding among people of various faiths.
“A number of religious groups on campus have collaborated to host major religious groups that generated lots of support and created a new atmosphere of changing the taboo of talking about religion to a more comfortable conversation,” former Common Ground President Tahil Sharma said.
The University also holds interfaith celebrations for Sukkot, Hanukkah, Hindu Diwali and Pooja, Lent, Easter, Passover and a candlelight vigil for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to educate the campus community.
Alyssa Navarro can be reached at alyssa.navarro@laverne.edu.
