Thousands of hours logged for President's 50-Hour Service Challenge

Approximately 26,233 hours of volunteer work were completed by 635 students, faculty and staff members to celebrate community involvement and Grand Valley’s 50th anniversary. More than 930 organizations were served by the campus community; the economic impact equaled $519,151.

The President’s 50-Hour Service Challenge, endorsed by President Thomas J. Haas, invited participants to complete 50 hours of service to the community. The challenge ran August 30 through April 1, and 301 participants reached the 50-hour mark. Total 50-Hour Service Challenge participants included 563 students, 56 staff members and 16 faculty members.

“I’m inspired by our students every day,” said Haas. “There’s nothing better than to see them give their time, talent and intellect to their communities. Overall, it really comes down to how we can take our time and talents to lead.”

All participants who successfully completed 50 hours of service were invited to a recognition ceremony on April 15. Individuals that logged the most hours in the categories of undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff were given awards: Undergraduate student Callista Cook, 304 hours; graduate student Kristen Cyranoski, 162 hours; WGVU General Manager Michael Walenta, 220 hours; and Geology Professor Linda Davis, 88 hours.