The Chamber of Schenectady County will honor Union at its “Good News” awards ceremony this week.
The College was cited for its community service efforts by the Chamber, which is honoring 10 individuals and organizations who have brought “feel good” stories to the county.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, April 29, during a luncheon at River Stone Manor in Glenville.
In February, the College was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for exemplary service to the local community. It marked the second straight year the College was named to the honor roll, the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service learning and civic engagement.
In 2008-09, nearly 1,100 Union students participated in a range of community service projects, representing more than 12,000 hours of service. Volunteers at the Kenney Community Center tutored and read to local children, served as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and participated in the state Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program (VITA). Since its launch in 2005, the VITA program at Union has secured nearly $2 million in cumulative tax refunds for local residents.
In addition, all sororities and fraternities do community service projects, as do athletic teams, many Theme Houses and clubs.
Angela Tatem, Kenney Center director, will accept the Chamber award on behalf of the College.