The Community Engagement Initiative honors fourth graduating class of undergraduate scholars
On a sunny May day, students from this year’s graduating class of Community Engagement Scholars gathered to celebrate the rite of passage coming at month’s end, Commencement.
Michael Vaughan, chief community engagement officer in the Office of the Provost, who also serves as CEI’s faculty director, addressed the gathering.
“Use all that you have learned to chart a course and purpose for your life,” said Vaughan, “centered upon growth, advocacy, passion, and happiness.”
Leann Moore, assistant director of the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) presided over the informal event. Moore oversees the program, a three- to four-year course of study that prepares students for lives as engaged citizens.
“Each of you has applied your field(s) of study in different ways, but all of you have chosen to deliberately and compassionately apply it to the larger community. Through engaged scholarship, internships, and volunteer service, you’ve left an incredibly positive mark on the UD and Newark communities.”
The class of 2025 has had a unique journey, starting college during a global pandemic and attending classes virtually. Returning to campus, they experienced social distancing and the gradual lifting of pandemic-era restrictions.
The scholars come from a range of disciplines—from medical diagnostics and chemistry to public policy and psychology. Some will continue their studies in graduate school, some will take a gap year, and some will start new jobs.
Regardless of their post-graduation plans, students are unified by a focus on serving their communities. Each scholar has logged at least 160 hours of service, completed an immersion experience, and pursued academics that shape their critical understanding of community partnerships.
Just the fourth graduating class of scholars, this group of 21 students will join the other 46 alumni of the program.