Walker Center Opens at Millersville to Help Reverse Trend of Disaffection From Civic Involvement

 Former Congressman Bob Walker was joined by Millersville President Francine G. McNairy and William Reuter, chairman, president and CEO of Susquehanna Bancshares, on December 10 to announce the Robert and Sue Walker Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership. The Center will be part of the Civic and Community Engagement and Research Project (CCERP) on campus.

The Center is made possible by a $250,000 gift from Robert Walker, class of 1964, in memory of his wife, Sue Walker, also class of 1964, who died in May. In addition, Susquehanna Bancshares announced a $200,000 gift to establish an internship program as part of the Walker Center.

"Today's student is tomorrow's community leader," said McNairy. "As part of our societal responsibility, we encourage students to contribute through service to their communities. At Millersville, we have been intentional in one of our strategic directions-the development of life and leadership skills that promote the greater public good affords our students an academic experience in service to community. Our students are engaged in providing professional services, voluntary and service learning projects. These benefit not only the student, but also help to address community needs."

The Walker Center will promote volunteerism, public sector internships, civic skills training, a policy research shop where students will be given an inside perspective on the policy-making process by providing them opportunities to research topics critical to municipal, county or state governments, a public policy minor, distinguished visitors, student discussion groups, public affairs programming, and international exchanges.

"Science and technology have brought us opportunities and wealth," said Walker. "The information economy has expanded our horizons and our knowledge. Both have extended our reach - even to the stars. But both also have left us more isolated from the elements of our common bonds. The Walker Center will seek to use the tools of education to build linkages to the community at large and in so doing build the leadership skills required for our future together."

"The Walker Center will be very student-focused," said Dr. Mel Allen, who heads the CCERP efforts on campus. "It will help foster a campus culture that values civic and community engagement. We believe it is imperative to reverse the trend of disaffection from civic involvement and civic responsibility among America's college students and future leaders. As a public university whose student population is largely from Lancaster and neighboring counties, we feel a keen responsibility to share our intellectual resources to address concerns of this regional community of which we are a part."

Susquehanna Bancshares will establish a non-profit and public sector internship program for Millersville University students. It will allow students to be paid for internships at community organizations, with no cost to the organizations.

"Our company believes that the health of our economy depends on the health of our communities," said Reuter. "Organizations dedicated to public service face many of the same challenges that businesses do, including competing for talented new associates. By offering financial stipends, non-profits will be able to make it economically possible for more students to serve and learn with their organizations. The time, energy and talent these students offer will help further the work of each agency. In addition, students will gain insight into the important roles these organizations play in our communities, hopefully spurring a desire to consider work with non-profits once they start their careers."

The Walker Center joins the Center for Public Impact, the Center for Public Scholarship and the Office of Internships and Civic Engagement Services, which are part of CCERP.