Civic Engagement

I have come to bring fire to the world.
What more could I want than
that it take flame.
(Luke 12:49)

Service is an integral part of the student experience in the Panuska College of Professional Studies. Service to others provides an opportunity to reflect on the broader issues that shape our world. Through service and academics, Panuska College of Professional Studies students come to ask important questions about the injustices found in our society. Reflecting on these issues helps students learn that their decisions have economic and moral implications for others and future generations.

The Jesuit Mission

The former Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. on June 7, 1989 delivered an address on the key ideas of Jesuit Higher Education at Georgetown University. Jesuit universities aim to form men and women "for others." Father Pedro Arrupe, who served as Superior General of the Society of Jesus 25 years ago, wrote, "Just as we are never sure that we love God unless we love our fellow human beings, so we are never sure that we have love at all unless our love issues in works of justice" (1999, p. 11).

Ignatius called for the development of the whole person: head and heart, intellect and feelings. Students at Jesuit universities are not centered on the development of the self alone, but rather are committed to ideals and values that will change society. John J. Callahan, S.J. (1997) in his book, Discovering a Sacred World summarized the Ignatian world view as world-affirming, comprehensive, liberated, and altruistic. Jesuit education is value oriented.

Our purpose in education, then, is to form men and women "for others." The strong support of our alumni at The University of Scranton encourages our undergraduate students to deepen their understanding of the human society especially with the indignant. Since the sixteenth century, our Jesuit roots have encouraged us to live in harmony between human knowledge and supernatural faith - utraque unum.

As we begin another academic year, faculty, students and staff in the Panuska College of Professional Studies will continue to redefine the Ignatian Identity in their coursework with new ways of thinking as we cultivate fresh ideas to old challenges. Beginning in 2009, the Dean's office will offer the Panuska Service Learning Student Leadership Seminar. This will be an opportunity for University of Scranton students to perfect their talents of "service to others" in a combination of academic study and community service, especially in our Leahy Community Health and Family Center.

The Panuska Service Learning Student Leadership program in the University's College of Professional Studies provides students with an opportunity to perfect their talents of "service to others" in a combination of academic study and community service. The Ignatian Identity provides the tools to be leaders in our fields and to examine our roles, values and contributions that we can make now and in the future. The Panuska College of Professional Studies will lead the way toward high standards in intellectual rigor with experiential learning for civic responsibility. As members of PCPS, we must continue to be true to its past and its future, and constantly reflect and consider the purpose of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises - wonder, freedom and practical commitment.

"You are called by the Society of Jesus to be men and women who reflect upon the reality of the world around you with all its ambiguities, opportunities, and challenges, to discern what is really happening in your life and in the lives of others, to find God there and to discover where God is calling you, to employ criteria for significant choices that reflect Godly values rather than narrow, exclusive self-interest, to make decisions in the light of what is truly for the greater glory of God and the service of those in need, and then to act accordingly."
Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J.
Superior General of the Society of Jesus, 1997

References:
Arrupe, P. (1999). Men and women for others. In J.J. Callahan (Ed.). First principles: The Jesuit tradition in higher education. (Pp. 10-12). Kansas City, MO: J.J. Callahan.

Kolvenbach, P. (1999). Themes in Jesuit higher education. In J.J. Callahan (Ed.). First principles: The Jesuit tradition in higher education (pp. 13-17). Kansas City, MO: J.J. Callahan.

Service Learning in PCPS

The Panuska College of Professional Studies, in keeping with the mission of this University, is committed to a program of service-learning, which provides a link between community service and academic study. Students learn and develop by participating in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of the community. Service learning is integrated into and enhances students' academic curriculum by providing structured time for students to reflect on their service experience. The service experience is an effective strategy for achieving enrichment and introducing the student to the academic, social and civic needs of diverse groups of people. Through this program, students in the Panuska College of Professional Studies complete service-learning experiences as a requirement for graduation.

Service Hours Clocked:

Fall 2009: 7, 879.25 (493 undergraduate students)
Fall 2010: 11,042.95 (773 undergraduate students)

Service Learning Projects

The Panuska College of Professional Studies' faculty, staff and students actively participate in service learning opportunities with the Floating Hospital of New York City.  Students majoring in Community Health Education, Nursing, and Exercise Sciences and Sport are involved with opportunities to aid the underprivileged children and families of New York City.

The Floating Hospital, founded in 1866, is New York City’s oldest pediatric charity clinic for the City’s neediest.  Although the Hospital no longer provides medical services on its ship, it makes an annual pilgrimage on the sea around Manhattan to remind staff and patients alike of the Hospital’s historic mission, which began as an effort to provide fresh air and a day of health to child laborers.  Its mission to serve lives on through its staff and in outreach efforts, like the one underway with the University of Scranton, which hope to touch today’s future educators and link them to community service.

Through events like the Healthy Kids Cruise, the Hospital seeks to strengthen its relationship with the University and provide valuable internships for University students seeking a career in service to others.  Its President and General Counsel, Sean T Granahan, Esq., is a 1987 University graduate and a member of the Panuska College of Professional Studies Board of Visitors. 

Student Service Learning Awards

Please visit our Service Learning Awards web-page.