An interview with Lisa Saverese and Angela Cortese
Office Location: Bartels Hall, Office of Student Activities
Office Hours: Mon., Tues., and Thrs. 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and Wed. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Contact: [email protected] or call (203) 479-4585
What is the background of this office?
Community service has been a large part of the University of New Haven for a long time. However, in recent years the expansion that has taken place in the university has led to the establishment of a central location dedicated to coordinating and promoting community service, as well as the establishment of a graduate assistant position to manage the office.
Who comprises the staff?
Lisa Saverese, the Assistant Director of Student Activities, oversees community service at UNH and supervises the graduate assistant. Angela Cortese is the graduate assistant of community service, who is responsible for coordinating several of the university’s community service programs and initiatives.
What services does the office provide to students?
The Office of Community Service provides information and resources to students interested in getting involved within the community, as well as several programs that allow them to do so. Alternative Spring Break is one program the office is responsible for, which places students at various non-profit organizations throughout the West Haven and New Haven area during Spring Break. The President’s Public Service Fellowship is another program, which places highly qualified students in various organizations and businesses for the summer. Both programs allow students the opportunity to give back to the community in a significant way during these break periods.
The office is also responsible for the Annual Community Service Merit Award, given every year to individuals and/or organizations who exemplify the mission of the university through achievement and success in community service. Beyond that, the office works with groups both on and off-campus to promote various other events and initiatives, including the World AIDS Day Flash Mob in November as well as the campus and community clean-ups that occur each semester.
Is there anything else you would like students to know?
For five consecutive years, the university has been awarded The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which recognizes institutions of higher education for the quality and success of their community service programs as well as the civic engagement opportunities they provide to students. In addition, the 2012 Alternative Spring Break had a record number of participants, and the 2012 President’s Public Service Fellowship had a record number of applicants. All of these draw attention to the strength of the community service programs and initiatives at UNH, which every student should take advantage of before graduation!
