Newswise — UK FUSION (UK For Unity and Service in Our Neighborhoods) has been awarded the regional NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) Outstanding Service Award for the 2007 FUSION event. The award recognizes innovative and exemplary programs by individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to service learning and community service.
FUSION 2007 experienced a record number of participants that included more than 1,300 UK students, faculty and staff working nearly 5,000 hours of community service at 63 Lexington neighborhoods, social service agencies, and public facilities such as parks and museums. Since FUSION's inception in 2003, it has grown into one of the largest single-day community service events in the state, and one of the greatest traditions at the University of Kentucky.
"FUSION played such a large role in my life while at UK," says Amanda Schroeder-Zimmerman, a FUSION volunteer and 2007 FUSION director. "While the event itself is such an amazing experience, the relationships I formed and the growth that I made because of being a part of FUSION far surpasses anything I could ever put into words. The students, faculty and staff I met along the way taught me a great deal about the importance of service. It is an incredible honor to be awarded such a recognition."
FUSION was judged on many factors, including the effective use of available resources, evidence of an effort to encourage, promote and market participation in the program to the student population, and the involvement of students in the planning and implementation of the event. A panel of 15 judges selected FUSION to receive the award.
"I could not be prouder of the student leadership and program adviser staff who have dedicated their energies to FUSION," said Rhonda Strouse, director of UK Student Involvement. "It is a program which represents UK in a manner reflective of standards and values committed to finding something greater than the individual and contributing to a worthwhile cause where change ensues. We anticipate the impact is that of a long lasting tradition of service for both the individual participants and UK."
The National Association for Campus Activities is an organization designed to provide information and resources for campus activities programmers throughout the United States and Canada. Divided into seven regions, Kentucky is part of the mid-America region of the NACA.
FUSION, which is part of UK's K Week, is organized through the UK Center for Community Outreach. For more information, visit the Web site at www.uky.edu/VolunteerCenter/FUSION/ or call (859) 257-9385.
To view a video on UK's FUSION program, visit online at http://www.uky.edu/PR/Flash/Fusion_for_JW.html
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