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Presidential Statement on Civic Engagement - Randolph Flechsig, President of Davenport University
At Davenport University, "giving back to the community" is so important that is has been included in our mission statement, i.e., "...The University will also instill in students an appreciation of civic responsibility in the communities where they live and work." In addition, one of our guiding principles states, "Service is essential to a balanced life. Davenport University seeks to instill a sense of civic responsibility as a fundamental part of working and living in a community."
Faculty, throughout the University, have integrated community service in to the curriculum, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to volunteer their services on community projects. Every Davenport University location participates in community service projects, and two of our largest campuses, Dearborn and Grand Rapids, are in the process of establishing Service-Learning Centers to further strengthen our service outreach. Civic engagement, through responsibility to vote and participation the democratic process, is a priority with reminders to exercise that privilege at all elections.
A democratic society is maintained and perpetuated by involved citizens who serve their communities. Davenport University's motto, 'Make a Living, Make a Life, Make a Contribution' is a commitment to community service and civic engagement on the part of all faculty, staff and students. Davenport University is further committed to building an engaged citizenry through its curriculum with the integration of service learning, critical reflection of civic responsibility, and through continuing to build collaborative partnerships at the local, state, national, and international levels.