BINGHAMTON, NY – Whether Binghamton University students are helping flood victims or they are teaching underprivileged children how to operate a computer and navigate the web, they are doing it to be of assistance, not to get recognized. Yet, acknowledgement is exactly what Binghamton University is receiving.

The 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll has once again placed Binghamton University on its list. A total of 690 higher education institutions are being recognized for their outstanding work. The schools are chosen for recognition based on their ability to demonstrate a clear commitment to community service and service learning. The volunteers’ community service outcomes must also be meaningful and measureable.

Launched in 2006, the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll annually singles out colleges and universities it believes are solving community problems and are also encouraging more young people to commit to a life of service. The Corporation for National and Community Service began honoring colleges and universities after the organization was inspired by the thousands of college students who traveled across the country to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

“We are extremely proud of the work being done by our students, faculty and staff in going beyond our campus boundaries to help residents in need in our community and elsewhere,” said Binghamton University President, Harvey Stenger. “We are grateful for the recognition but the true payoff is the positive feelings these volunteers receive when they witness first hand the impact their efforts have on the lives adults and children alike in our area and in other parts of the world.”

Binghamton University spearheads its community service efforts through the University’s Center for Civic Engagement. At that office, individual students and/or student groups or other University personnel can sign up to participate in a number of community service projects.

“The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) works with communities within and beyond Binghamton University's campus to provide various rewarding and meaningful opportunities to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members,” said CCE Director Allison Alden. “We strongly believe that civic engagement develops active and engaged citizens and leads to academic, personal and professional growth.”

The CCE office is currently recruiting University volunteers for a variety of civic engagement projects.  The various opportunities can be viewed at www.binghamton.edu/cce.