Members of the campus and local communities gathered Monday to celebrate the “7 Days of Service” and to honor two contributors to the community.
The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) awarded Courtney Ahrens of the psychology department with the 2006 Spirit Award for her work within the community. CCE administrative coordinator Meredith Freijo said the CCE chose Ahrens because of the work she has done with the center and with her research on domestic abuse and advocacy.
“[She has done] an amazing job of getting students involved in women’s shelters and with her research,” Freijo said.
While accepting her award, Ahrens said the role of the university is to do work that will benefit the greater community.
The CCE also presented the 2006 Leadership and Public Service Award to Goodwill, which is given to one outstanding community partner each year.
CCE Associate Director Carina Sass said the center was recognizing Goodwill for its work with low-income housing communities. She said the organization gives low-income residents soft skills training, organizes job fairs and recruitment events and opens up the opportunity for medical jobs through the Careers in Health Care Program.
While accepting the award, one Goodwill representative said he “looks forward to many years [of collaborating] with this wonderful university.”
Sass said the CCE has two main goals for 7 Days of Service: It wants to celebrate the work people across the campus have done for others and to encourage people to recognize the benefit of being involved with the community.
Events for the week include opportunities for students to volunteer within the community. Tomorrow, several agencies will be in the Psychology Quad from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the Volunteer Round-up. Students can pledge service hours to groups they would like to volunteer for.
On Thursday, students can learn about volunteer opportunities at a community agency fair and at informational sessions for international and local service opportunities and an alternative spring break.
Student volunteers have the opportunity to volunteer in Long Beach on Saturday through two programs: the “Go Beach” clean-up and Make a Difference Day, where CSULB students work with Rebuilding Long Beach to refurbish homes in the area.
