College students often volunteer for worthy causes and organizations, but, for Maxis-Gillet Scholars at Marywood University, service is required learning.

The Maxis-Gillet Service Award provides $2,500 per year to each of 20 students who desire to incorporate community service into their educational experience. Award recipients are expected to engage in at least 215 hours of service annually, recruit other students for community service, and assume leadership roles in specific service projects. Usually, they go well above and beyond the requirements, performing service during the academic year and through semester breaks.

During the 2009-2010 academic year, these service scholars logged a total of 5,388 service hours, averaging 268 hours per person. Maxis-Gillet students return early to campus each fall for leadership training and often serve as peer facilitators for service experiences during the fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks. Sister Catherine Luxner, IHM, Director of Campus Ministry, anticipates even greater things going forward.

"The students and their mentors are currently in dialogue with selected regional agencies to determine the best ways to use student services more intentionally, to address the evolving needs of the greater Scranton area," said Sister Catherine.

The Maxis-Gillet Scholars address a variety of justice issues, particularly hunger and homelessness. They organize groups of additional students in a wide range of service projects, such as mentoring children and youth, serving as companions to individuals with special needs, providing personal services for senior citizens, offering support services for single parents, and assisting new immigrant members of the community.
Service is done in collaboration with community agencies such as Catholic Social Services, the Community Intervention Center, St. Francis Kitchen, area food pantries, Bethel Shelter, Friends of the Poor, St. Anthony Haven, American Red Cross, Catherine McAuley Center, and Habitat for Humanity.

For more information on Maxis Gillet Scholarship Award: www.marywood.edu/campmin/maxis-gillet-service-scholars/