University of Dubuque Recognized for Service to Mines of Spain

Apr 12, 2012 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

The Friends of the Mines of Spain has formally recognized the 900 service hours given by the University of Dubuque's 440 first year students as a part of their World View Seminar One class. These same students are continuing to provide service hours in the community through various non-profit organizations as a part of their course work in World View Seminar Two. 

"Service to the community is an integral part of the University of Dubuque's Mission," said Michele McKinlay, co-director of the University's Core Curriculum Program.  "The Service-Learning programs at the University of Dubuque are designed to provide students opportunities to use the skills they learn in the classroom to meet real needs in the community.  It's important that students give back to the community of which they are a part during their transformative college years."

As the culminating event of New Student Orientation and the first class meeting of World View Seminar One, our 440 first year students donated their time to a Service Learning Project for the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. These students provided a combined total of 900 working hours to the Mines of Spain Park cleaning up after last summer's heavy rains, maintaining trails and bridges, reclaiming natural prairie areas, and various other projects. DNR officials estimate our students provided service that saved the Mines of Spain Park $10,000-$12,000 dollars through their volunteer service work. This was the tenth year that our first-year students have supported the local state preserve.

A key feature of the revised World View Seminar Two curriculum offered to second semester first-year students is a 8-10 hour service requirement. This will result in over 3000 service hours through16 non- profit agencies. Students take the lead in designing, planning, and implementing these service projects.

Throughout their years at UD, students participate in service projects they plan in the Residence Life program, as Wendt Character Scholars, as student athletes, with their fraternities or sororities, in campus ministry, and across the curriculum.