WEST CHESTER, PA — For the third year in a row, West Chester University has been honored with the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Award. This prestigious recognition highlights the university’s commitment to community engagement and social impact.
What is the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia?
The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Award is an initiative by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with Points of Light, the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local organizations. Modeled after Points of Light’s national program, the award sets a benchmark for corporate citizenship. It recognizes employers who effectively use their resources, employee skills, and time to benefit their communities.
Criteria for Selection
Honorees of the Civic 50 are selected based on four key dimensions of their community engagement:
- Investment of Resources: How companies allocate their financial and human resources for community benefit.
- Integration Across Business Functions: The extent to which community engagement is embedded in different areas of the organization.
- Institutionalization Through Policies and Systems: The presence of formal policies and structures to support community engagement.
- Impact Measurement: How organizations measure and evaluate the outcomes of their community efforts.
West Chester University’s Commitment
Rita Patel-Eng, senior director of the University’s Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact, expressed pride in the achievement. “This impactful work is only possible through a community of educators dedicated to bringing the WCU mission to life: to develop graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good,” she said. She emphasized that the honor is shared by the students, faculty, and staff who are committed to making a difference.
West Chester University engages at multiple levels—global, national, state, and local. Service learning is a cornerstone of many courses and a fundamental part of the Honors College curriculum. As a public state institution, the university focuses its primary community efforts on Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and the counties of Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester.
Recognition and Celebration
“The Chamber is proud to recognize West Chester University as a 2024 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia,” said Chellie Cameron, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber. She highlighted that this year’s honorees exemplify what it means to be a positive corporate citizen and demonstrate the power of service.
The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honorees were celebrated at an event held on June 27 at the Cira Centre in Philadelphia. The recognition serves as a testament to the university’s ongoing commitment to social impact and community engagement.
Community Service and Social Impact
Receiving the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia Award for three consecutive years underscores West Chester University’s sustained dedication to community service. This commitment not only enhances the university’s reputation but also serves as a model for other institutions. The recognition can attract prospective students who value civic engagement and want to contribute to the common good.
Moreover, the award highlights the broader role educational institutions can play in addressing societal needs. By focusing on community-identified issues, West Chester University demonstrates how targeted efforts can make a substantial impact. This aligns with the growing expectation that universities should serve as catalysts for social change and development.
West Chester University’s recognition as a Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia honoree for the third year running is a significant achievement. It reflects the university’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and the positive impact of its efforts. As the university continues to uphold these values, it sets a standard for others in the region and beyond.
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