12/19/11

End of the Semester! 
 

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."  - Edith Sitwell, 20th Century British Poet   

With Winter Break just a few days away, the CEO wishes all a safe, restful, and enjoyable vacation.  This week, we have a few quick pieces of news, and some highlights from first semester.

First Semester Recap

It was a busy fall in the Civic Engagement Office!  The year started strong with Servapalooza and sign up for the CEO's programs, inlcuding Lunch Buddies, GIRLSS Group/MENtoring, Alternative Spring Break, and Colleges Against Cancer.  Participation for all organizations has been terrific, and in some cases overwhelming!  

The months since have seen many successful programs and service projects.  The Block Break Service Trip allowed students to get to know an Iowa community and help in its tornado recovery efforts.  CAC has put on several highly successul cancer education events, the mentoring programs are building great relationships with young students, and preparations are well underway for Alternative Spring Break and Relay Against Life. 

There have also been a variety of opportunities to prepare for careers in service.  The Community Partner Panel brought representatives of three local nonprofit organizations to campus to answer questions and talk about the life of a nonprofit community leader.  Similarly, the Post-Graduation Service Panel was an opportunity to learn about the exciting post-graduation service opportunities available through organizations like AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, and faith-based service programs.  This semester also saw the debut of the Civic Engagement Minor, giving students a great new way to earn a credential demonstrating their dedication to service.   

All in all, it was a great semester for the CEO!  We look forward to continue working with you in the spring!

Volunteer with Care Initiatives Hospice

Care Initiatives Hospice offers care and palliative support for Iowans in the final stages of life, with locations in the Cedar Rapids area.  Volunteers can serve in a variety of roles for the hospice, including running errands, assisting with activities in a facility, helping with household chores, or providing help in the office.  All volunteers must go through an orientation prior to serving.  The next orientation will take place on Monday, January 16 from 5:00-8:30 in Cedar Rapids.  For more information, contact Echo Kent at 319-390-4161.  

Help Mount Vernon become a Blue Zone Community
Vote by January 4th!

Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative is an initiative to engage citizens throughout Iowa to improve their overall health and well-being.  As part of this initiative, 10 Iowa communities will be selected as "Blue Zone Communities".  These 10 communities will receive assistance from national experts to develop and implement a blueprint for making permanent environmental, policy and social network changes that transition people to healthier behaviors.  To help make Mount Vernon a Blue Zone, go to http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup.

National Residence Hall Honorary "Of the Month" Awards
Seeking Nominations!
 
National Residence Hall Honorary needs your help identifying extraordinary students, faculty/staff members, and organizations who deserve to be recognized for their contributions to Cornell College.  If you know someone who may qualify for an Of-the-Month award, submit a nomination at http://www.cornellcollege.edu/residence-life/getting-involved/NRHH/otms.shtml. 

Global Zero Student Summit
February 18-19, Yale University 

Global Zero is a non-profit organization that advocates for the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons.  Global Zero is hosting a summit at Yale University in February, and is looking for students interested in attending.  A two day conference pass costs $20, and a limited number of travel grants may be available.  The line-up of speakers is impressive, including a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and a former U.S. Chief Negotiator for the START arms reductions talks.  For information, check out www.globalzero.org/reachingzero.

Civic Engagement Minor

Are you interested in earning a formal credential demonstrating your commitment to public service?  If so, consider the Civic Engagement Minor.  Approved for the first time this year, the Civic Engagement Minor is a six-course minor with an applied service requirement.  While details are still being finalized, the College has established the minor requirements, available at http://www.cornellcollege.edu/catalogue/current/courses-of-instruction/civ.shtml.  For more information, contact John Gruber-Miller at JGruber-Miller@cornellcollege.edu.