The goal of the Civic Scholars program is to empower participating students to take actions that improve the SRU campus and external community, and the quality of life of its members, as preparation for lives of public purpose and engaged citizenship.
By the end of the developmental 4-year program, the Haverlack Civic Scholars will be able to:
- Engage civically on campus and in the local community.
- Describe how their identity shapes their approach to service.
- Motivate peers to engage in community service and civic action
- *Apply a civic skillset to their chosen profession, community and personal life.
- Create a signature work that benefits the community.
*The civic skillset for the Civic Scholars program includes:
- Knowledge of place and community as context for learning, engagement and action.
- Ability to reflect on experience to gain insight and guide action.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
- Listen attentively and with patience
- Convey ideas across difference - orally and in writing
- Name and frame community issues.
- Develop cultural humility, empathy, compassion, and courage to act in service of the greater good
- Develop and explain a personal understanding of our campus climate and culture.
- Seek out and engage with multiple perspectives
- Demonstrate a commitment and responsibility to self and others.
The Civic Scholars program is based on four cornerstones:
Cornerstone 1: FIND YOUR PURPOSE: (1st semester of program)
- Students formulate their public purpose through an active exploration of the community context and issues and undertake an experiential discovery of diverse pathways of service and civic engagement that could address them.
Cornerstone 2: PURSUE YOUR PATH: (2nd semester through end of 2nd year)
- Students connect their passions and purpose with the needs and interests of community members and apply their gifts, talents and skills to serve others and motivate peers to engage in service and civic action.
Cornerstone 3: MAKE AN IMPACT: (3rd year)
- Students implement a signature work that, in collaboration with others, benefits the community and the lives of community members in a meaningful and measurable way.
Cornerstone 4: LEAVE A LEGACY: (4th year)
- Students demonstrate their achievement of program outcomes and developmental journeys of learning and growth through civic action portfolios designed to inspire and motivate others to serve and lead for the public good.
The Haverlack Civic Scholars are sponsored by the Frank & Margaret Haverlack Good Citizen Scholarship.
Meet the Sru scholars
Justin Nowelle
I work at Slippery Rock Community Library where I enjoy collaborating on how to improve the programs they offer. The Haverlack Civic Scholars Program at SRU has been a truly transformative experience for me. Through this program, I have deepened my understanding of civic engagement and social responsibility, but I have also grown more confident leading and creating meaningful changes within my community. By participating in service, projects, community outreach, and educational workshops, I learned how small efforts can create a ripple effect.
Riley Trumbull
Riley is currently a Senior at SRU, studying Art! Riley states that gaining new experiences and meeting new people is the best experience at SRU, because seeing people connect with each other makes for the fueling of inspiration! Riley really enjoys working with people on events or projects in which students can explore creatively and connect over having fun. The legacy left behind by Riley will be inspirational to students with similar interests and character and will show others that anyone can be a leader, even in times of fear and doubt.
Marco Schiebel
At my site, The Butler Art Center & Gallery, I work to support the upkeep of the center and manage shows. I clean, organize, make phone calls, and assist with the setup and takedown of shows. I have learned valuable communication, patience, and time management skills with the Civic Scholar Program. I have also gained a lot of insight into the inner workings of nonprofit and community-based programs. I have taken on larger roles in my community and have become a more well-rounded person.
Kaylee Rhinehart
Kaylee is currently a Senior at SRU, studying to earn a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science! She enjoys continuing to build relationships with community members and growing her service-related skillset. When asked about what inspires her as a civic leader, Kaylee states, “I love learning about the community organizations and meeting their members who feel so passionately about their causes. Directly seeing the impact I'm making is the most rewarding part of service.” Areas of service that interest Kaylee the most include working in healthcare and with youth programming. As a Civic Scholar, Kaylee hopes to leave behind a legacy outlining the importance of giving back to the community no matter how busy you become. She believes that it is very important to prioritize service in one’s daily schedule, making her a well-rounded and self-less leader.
Ella Malogrino
At the Macoskey Center for Sustainability Education and Research, I’m a Volunteer and Fundraiser Coordinator. I have had so many more experiences than I would have ever had without this program and I have met so many wonderful people. Through these experiences, I have learned a lot about myself and have been able to grow. I do better in public and social situations, I am better at speaking in front of people, and I have improved upon critical skills that are pertinent to my future profession. I would like to thank the Haverlack family for the amazing opportunity to experience all of this!
Stefanie Mounts
At Kid’s Innovation Playground, I help children learn to use educational technology. One way I have grown from the program is learning to utilize my time more efficiently. Learning how to balance my schoolwork, free time, and Civic Scholar duties has taught me effective strategies and how to value what is most important. I also have learned a lot about outreach and engaging with members of a community.
Elizabeth Brison
At my site, the Macoskey Center for Sustainability Education and Research, I serve as a volunteer coordinator and fundraising specialist. This program has provided me with valuable opportunities to enhance my skills in coordination, fundraising, and data analysis. I've learned how to effectively manage volunteer activities, engage with businesses, and analyze data to inform our strategies. I grew by fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and the importance of community engagement. I have become more confident in my abilities to lead and collaborate, and I have developed a greater appreciation for the power of collective action in driving positive change.
Sophia Plock
I work at Legacy Fitness where I get to help instruct people with mental and physical disabilities through exercise! This environment is positive, uplifting, and such a safe space for community members. Through this program, I have become more outgoing, communicative, and knowledgeable. For example, I never would have believed that Parkinson’s patients participate in boxing to help slow the progression of the disease! I am now doing a semester long group project on this very topic to help educate my fellow Exercise Science peers and faculty! I am pleased with my time in the program thus far and am ecstatic to continue into next year!
Kayla Hanna
Biology Major
I am most excited to meet new people and spend time in the community helping others. Knowing that I have the opportunity to help others and have a lasting impact inspires me to better the people and community around me. Working to promote the STEM field interests me the most. I would like to know that I have made a lasting impact on the community and people around me through my role as a Civic Scholar.
Zoey Cotter
Education Major
Coming to SRU, I am most excited about meeting knew people who have common interests and can work together as civic scholars. I am looking forward to community engagement and meaningful action. What inspires me as I become a civic leader is that my actions can leave a positive impact and create lasting change. I am interested in education, mostly because it is my major. I am also open to trying new things and volunteering at different organizations to get out of my comfort zone. When I leave SRU, I would like to have made impacts on other students and have encouraged them to find different ways to benefit the community.
HAVERLACK GOOD CITIZEN SCHOLARSHIP
The Frank and Margaret Haverlack Good Citizen Scholarship at Slippery Rock University was established by C. Elliott Haverlack (’80) in 2019 with a donation of $1,000,000. Haverlack scholarships support highly motivated, high-need students who demonstrate a “Servant Heart” and a commitment to becoming the community service leaders of tomorrow. Haverlack scholars are expected to uphold community service as a way of life at Slippery Rock University and beyond.
For more information or to apply, please click here.
