MU event celebrates service partnership

“Engaged Mizzou” has nothing to do with students wearing diamond rings.

It has everything to do with students giving of themselves.

On Tuesday, MU’s Office of Service Learning had its annual “Engaged Mizzou” forum at Memorial Union on campus.

This year, the forum marked the office’s 10th anniversary.

Through the office, students are paired with community organizations to do volunteer service, for which they receive class credit.

Some students go on to develop their own service programs.

Ray Beck, Columbia’s city manager, represented the mayor’s office in proclaiming March 29 as Service-Learning Partnership Day.

He spoke about the role of volunteerism in the community.

“Columbia wins a number of awards because of the volunteers that step up to help our city be what it is,” Beck said.

Beck also read a statement from Mayor Darwin Hindman, who commended the Office of Service Learning for its work with students and the community.

“Service to the community is important and is a Columbia value,” the mayor’s statement said.

MU Chancellor Brady Deaton also spoke about the importance of service as a lifelong endeavor.

“Service learning is a vital and important cog to what we’re doing as a university,” Deaton said. “The service learning initiative enabled us to be a pioneer in higher education in America.”

“MU is a model-engaged university — we’re always seeking new ways in working with our community partners,” he said.