Widener University Named to President’s Community Service Honor Roll for Sixth Consecutive Year

Chester, Pa.–Widener University has been named to the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Widener was recognized “With Distinction,” an honor bestowed on only 17 percent of institutions recognized in the Honor Roll. Widener has been named to the Honor Roll every year since its inception in 2006.

“To receive this honor six consecutive years is a tribute to the students, faculty and staff of Widener University and their dedication to our civic engagement mission,” said Widener University President James T. Harris III. “It is also a testament to the willingness and enthusiasm of the community organizations we partner with in Chester, Delaware and Harrisburg. These initiatives are successful because we all work together as one.”

This year, Widener was honored for three exemplary projects: 

The Widener Partnership Charter School:  The first university-based charter school in Pennsylvania, WPCS currently serves about 350 students in grades K-6. The school, which takes a holistic approach to education, serves the children and families of Chester and has met or exceeded state standards each year since it was opened in 2006.  

The Chester Community Physical Therapy Clinic: The physical therapy clinic is a student-led pro bono clinic serving uninsured and underinsured residents of Chester. Residents receive services from graduate physical therapy students under the supervision of licensed volunteer alumni physical therapists.

The Veterans Law Clinic: Operated by the Widener School of Law, the Veterans Law Clinic was among the first of its kind established in the nation. The clinic assists disabled veterans and dependents with Department of Veterans Affairs compensation claims and related benefits. It has helped more than 200 veterans and dependents in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania recover more than $2.5 million in benefits. 

For the past two years, Newsweek has ranked Widener among the top service-minded colleges and universities in the nation. The university has also ranked among the top 100 institutions in the annual Washington Monthly rankings since the magazine’s inaugural college issue in 2005. In addition, Widener was among the first universities in the nation to be categorized as a “community engagement” institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2006.

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