Posted on Thursday, December 09, 2021
Students in the Wilkinson Family Servant Scholars Program this year have been preparing meals, organizing events and fostering communities as they continue to address needs in the Troup County area.
“The seniors’ Project Unity has been working with Dr. Robert Tucker and his board to assist the challenged Calumet neighborhood,” said Jeff Lukken, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of the program. “The effort includes helping create a sense of community, ownership and a cohesive bond among the diverse group of families living there.”
For example, the Scholars held a toy drive this month.
“We asked faculty, staff and students to donate toys or funds to benefit the families of Calumet,” Lukken said. “We will be distributing the toys at a neighborhood Christmas party on Sunday (Dec. 12). I’ve been so touched by the students’ commitment to helping build bridges throughout our community. It’s what this program is all about – service.”
Servant Scholars prepares future leaders by linking them with community leaders and mentors to study local needs—and decide how to best meet them.
Each year, 12 juniors are chosen to start their two-year journey in the program. While living as a community at Broad Street Apartments, each student is engaged in active learning and service through individual internships at local nonprofits.
At the end of the year, the students compare their experiences and choose a single need to address as seniors. This year’s Project Unity chose to help Calumet leaders with their efforts.
After talking with area organizers, church elders and residents, the Scholars reached out in various ways – for example, the Calumet Fall Festival included a free cookout, games, storytelling and a book fair.
Other activities included a Trunk of Treat cookout at Halloween with the assistance of college Greek organizations; a health and wellness fair featuring meals, testing, checkups and diagnostic evaluations from LC nursing students, LaGrange fire and emergency, and other health providers from the region; and a toy drive for the children of the Calumet community.
Plans for the spring include a career and jobs fair, tree plantings, adult computer training, Little Free Libraries, social media neighborhood platforms, a community garden, a literacy and mentoring program, learning trails and working with city leaders on new sidewalks, security lights and a community outdoor grill.
Lukken said even COVID couldn’t stop their work.
“We had to change how we operated Our Daily Bread, our outreach that serves hot meals every Friday to the needy,” he said. “Now we offer to-go meals at our location in a local church. Our Daily Bread has been operating since 2013, and we’re proud to continue that project.”
One of the aims of the Servant Scholars Program is to stress the importance of working together, Lukken said.
“The development of independence, empowerment and pride for the people and communities we serve is essential,” Lukken said.
Lamar Dodd Art Center and LaGrange Art Museum are accepting submissions for the Fourth LaGrange Southeast Regional to be held Feb. 19-April 22. The Regional is a biannual juried competition open to artists over 18 years of age who live in the Southeastern United States. The categories are painting, prints, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, photography and mixed media. Visit here for more information.
Dr. John Tures, Professor of Political Science, recently delivered two papers virtually for the Georgia Political Science Association conference. Research by Erik Moran and Chase Davis was included in “Does Partisanship ‘Trump’ Policy Preferences? Assessing Peoples’ Attitudes on Domestic and Foreign Policy, as well as Vaccination Rates.” Dr. Tures also presented “Go West, Young Liberals! How the Critical Election of 1992 Pioneered a Win Streak for the Democrats.”
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(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
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Happy holidays from LaGrange College.
LaGrange College sports management donates $2,000 to Ronald McDonald House – LaGrange Daily News, Dec. 7, 2021
Category: Academics, College, Service, Philanthropy, Students, Community
Keywords: Servant Scholars
