Cal Poly Pomona has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exemplary commitment to neighboring communities.
“One of our core values is that graduates become model leaders who take an active role as citizens in a diverse, multicultural environment,” says Christina Gonzalez-Salgado, the university’s civic engagement coordinator. “It speaks to the quality of our university culture and community members, who not only abundantly give of their time but make a difference.”
The federal Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees the honor roll, assesses not only the total number of service hours, but the outcome of the volunteer efforts. The university community logged more than 400,000 service hours last academic year on numerous projects. Three campus-community projects also helped the university earn the honor roll recognition: the design of a new bicycle path in Pomona, the annual Pomona Beautification Day, and music education.
* Students and faculty in an urban and regional planning class assessed demand for bicycle infrastructure around parts of downtown Pomona. The class gathered data and created conceptual designs for a bikeway in downtown Pomona, providing valuable assistance during difficult budget times.
* Last spring, all of the Greek sororities and fraternities on campus took part in the Pomona’s annual Beautification Day. Students met with community organizers, church leaders, city officials, Chamber of Commerce members, school district administrators and residents to map out a beautification plan at 43 sites. The project included lawn work for elderly residents, trash and graffiti removal, and the restoration of dilapidated houses.
* Senior level undergraduate music students coordinated three education projects. One team created and implemented an entire music education curriculum for youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Pomona. A second worked in conjunction with administrators to create musical education stations on drum circles at a junior high school, and a third team mentored and coached charter school students on songwriting and performances.
“Everyone benefits from community partnerships, including our students,” Gonzalez-Salgado says. “These three projects are among the many that have touched lives.”
(Photo: Junior Lanre Oguntibeju helps a youngster at the Homework Center at the Pomona Public Library on May 19, 2009.)