In a celebration of service and dedication, Binghamton University recently honored individuals and community partners who exemplify the spirit of civic engagement, showcasing a powerful commitment to both the campus and the surrounding community.
The Center for Civic Engagement’s annual recognition highlights the university’s mission to cultivate a culture of responsibility, empathy, and transformative action.
From ambitious student-led projects to impactful faculty research and longstanding community partnerships, Binghamton University emphasizes the importance of active civic involvement. Each initiative contributes to a legacy of social responsibility, offering a blueprint for universities seeking to make a tangible impact in their communities.
Key Takeaways
Binghamton University recognizes individuals and community partners who exemplify civic engagement through various initiatives that promote social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and community partnerships.
- Student leaders like Asha Philip and Clay Jeon are recognized for their dedication to voter participation, environmental sustainability, and accessible education, showcasing the impact of student-led initiatives on campus and in the community.
- The university’s partnerships with local organizations, such as Gigi’s Playhouse and Advocates for Autism, demonstrate the value of collaboration in creating sustainable change and providing opportunities for growth and development.
- Faculty members like Professor Quaranta and Luca are instrumental in advancing civic engagement through their teaching and research, inspiring students to approach education with a sense of purpose and apply their knowledge for the greater good.
Student contributions leading the change
The University students continue to demonstrate a commitment to positive change, tackling critical issues such as voter engagement, environmental sustainability, and mental health awareness. Among this year’s honorees, Asha Philip stands out for her leadership in voter participation and environmental sustainability.
Over the past two years, Asha has played multiple roles in supporting voter engagement, including serving as a poll inspector and organizing campus events to educate students about electoral processes. She has even led student marches to voting booths, reinforcing the importance of civic participation among her peers.
Asha’s leadership extends to environmental initiatives, with her co-founding of the Binghamton Upcycle Project. This student-driven program addresses waste management on campus, fostering sustainable practices by working closely with university staff. By encouraging a collaborative approach to recycling and sustainability, the Upcycle Project has become a model for other universities interested in promoting environmental awareness.
Asha has also collaborated with VINES (Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments) on community garden projects, helping enhance food security and connecting students with the broader local community.
First-year student Clay Jeon received the Al Vos Excellence in Community Engagement First-Year Student Award, a recognition that underscores his extraordinary dedication to volunteerism.
As a strong advocate for accessible education, Clay has contributed extensively to tutoring programs for middle and high school students, providing academic support to those who may not otherwise have access to tutoring services. His project, “The Strangers Project,” allows individuals to anonymously share personal stories, fostering a sense of empathy and mutual understanding on campus.
Partnerships bridging campus and community
The University’s partnerships with local organizations underscore the value of collaboration in creating sustainable change. The Women’s Lacrosse Team exemplifies this commitment through its partnership with Advocates for Autism.
By organizing sports clinics for neighborhood children, the team helps foster an inclusive environment and provides young participants with enriching experiences. The lacrosse team’s commitment to service demonstrates the importance of collective action in strengthening community ties and providing opportunities for growth.
The university’s recognition of Steve Seepersaud, Advancement Communications Manager, with the President’s Award for Staff Excellence in Community Engagement, also highlights the value of individual dedication in supporting community welfare.
In his roles as chair of the local American Red Cross chapter and president of the Binghamton City Board of Education, Steve has coordinated initiatives that address critical community needs. His efforts to foster collaboration between civic organizations and educational institutions reinforce the potential for partnerships to create meaningful social outcomes.
Gigi’s Playhouse of the Southern Tier received the Community Partner of the Year award, a testament to the organization’s collaboration with Binghamton University in supporting individuals with Down syndrome.
By partnering with the university’s Speech and Language Pathology program, Gigi’s Playhouse provides students with hands-on experience through projects that combine life skills training with therapeutic techniques. One standout program merges adult cooking classes with speech therapy, offering individuals practical skills while developing communication abilities.
Advancing civic engagement and education & research
Faculty members at Binghamton University play a key role in advancing the university’s civic mission by integrating community engagement into their teaching and research. Professor Quaranta, recognized for her dedication to children’s mental health, has been instrumental in the development of the Pediatric Well-Being Picture Scale, a tool designed to promote children’s mental health and wellness.
Her Research Methods course provides nursing students with hands-on experience in addressing local health needs, enabling them to engage in projects that have tangible community benefits. This experiential approach to learning not only prepares students for their careers but also allows them to make a positive impact in real time.
Luca, another distinguished faculty member, has left an indelible success on the university and the surrounding area through his emphasis on cooperation and social change. His work serves as a model of how faculty-led initiatives can drive meaningful community engagement, reinforcing the idea that academic learning and civic responsibility go hand in hand.
Faculty members like Luca inspire students to approach their education with a sense of purpose, encouraging them to seek ways to apply their knowledge for the greater good.
Building a culture of civic responsibility
Binghamton University’s Center for Civic Engagement acts as a central community for students, faculty, and staff who wish to get involved in civic activities. The center provides resources such as voter registration fairs, poll worker recruitment, and connections to local volunteer opportunities.
These initiatives empower university members to make a positive impact, underscoring Binghamton’s commitment to developing socially responsible leaders.
Programs like Asha’s Upcycle Project exemplify how student-led initiatives can contribute to a more sustainable campus environment. By promoting recycling and responsible waste management, Asha’s project serves as a practical solution to a pressing issue, benefiting from the university and the general community.
Similarly, Clay’s The Strangers Project demonstrates the power of storytelling to build empathy and connect people from diverse backgrounds. These projects show that students can be catalysts for change, driving initiatives that address complex social and environmental challenges.
The university’s partnerships, including the longstanding collaboration with Gigi’s Playhouse, provide students with hands-on opportunities to develop essential skills while giving back to the community. For Speech and Language Pathology students, working with Gigi’s Playhouse offers a chance to gain practical experience in a clinical setting, directly supporting individuals with communication challenges.
These collaborations exemplify how universities can create impactful community partnerships that benefit both students and local residents.
Through initiatives that connect students with local organizations, Binghamton University prepares its members to become engaged citizens. By encouraging students to take an active role in their community, the university nurtures a sense of social responsibility that extends beyond campus boundaries. This focus on civic engagement not only enriches students’ educational experience but also fosters a sense of pride in contributing to the community.
As Binghamton University’s approach to civic engagement demonstrates how academia and community collaboration can lead to significant, positive change. Each program, partnership, and initiative is a testament to the power of collective action, showing that when individuals come together with a shared purpose, they can create lasting, meaningful impact.
The lasting impact of civic engagement
The University’s commitment to civic engagement reflects a holistic approach to education, one that emphasizes not only academic achievement but also the importance of social responsibility.
By supporting a diverse range of initiatives, from voter engagement and environmental sustainability to public health and inclusive education, the university highlights the value of collaboration, empathy, and active participation in building stronger communities.
As students, faculty, and community partners continue to work together, Binghamton University strengthens its ties to the local community, creating opportunities for meaningful learning and social impact. These partnerships serve as a reminder of the powerful role that universities can play in addressing societal challenges and promoting the common good.
With the University’s approach to civic engagement serves as a model for other institutions, showcasing the profound impact that a culture of service and collaboration can have on both the university and the community.
By instilling a sense of purpose and social responsibility in its students, Binghamton University prepares them to become active, compassionate citizens ready to contribute to the greater good.
