Marygrove College
Presidential Statement on Civic Engagement - Glenda Price, former President of Marygrove College
For almost 100 years Marygrove College has been an institution that defines itself as a community of purpose. A place where students, faculty and staff come together as a community of learners committed to doing the work necessary for creating a better world. A Marygrove College education is one that informs and inspires. This is an institution whose mission demands that we serve as a catalyst for community growth.
We live in a world of rapid change and turmoil. We live in a global village where many cultures come together creating dynamic forces for good and potential conflict. We live in a time when our democracy is threatened from without from those who do not agree with our philosophies and from within by apathy. Thus, those of us in higher education have an obligation to provide educational experiences that teach values, hard work, commitment to social justice and foster a duty to preserve the resources of earth.
Marygrove College has designed a Service Learning program that clearly demonstrates that learning is not separate from doing, that service has reciprocal benefits and all members of our society have an obligation to care for others. We have organized volunteer days so that we can come together to met a significant need. Our residence life staff have defined a social justice wing for residence students who want to be together to support the work they choose to do. Interdisciplinary courses which focus on issues of justice provide the theory and principles for societal change. Because our faith teaches us that we are our brothers keepers, we work to sustain our community of purpose.