For Immediate Release
May 20, 2002
Contact: John Hammond, Director of Public Relations, 210/733-2147, jhammond@accd.edu
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SAC Students Honored as Volunteers
of the Year Award
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| The San Antonio College Service Learning Program received the Group Volunteer
of the Year Award from the Volunteer Services Council of the San Antonio
State Hospital (SASH) at a May 7 awards ceremony celebrating the council’s
50th Anniversary. Audrey Grams, Service Learning Coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the 19 San Antonio College students who volunteered their time helping patients at the hospital. The students received the honor because they “had the most significant impact on patient services,” said Robert C. Arizpe, SASH Superintendent, who made the presentation. “Together they volunteered 539 hours in a period of six months in the hospital’s rehabilitation program. Their volunteer work has a value to the hospital of $7,993,” added Arizpe, who also noted, “The students were directly involved with patients’ psychosocial programs such as discussing current events and teaching daily living skills. They then took their learning experience at SASH back to their classroom for discussion with their teacher and classmates.” Also representing San Antonio College at the ceremony was Dr. Pam Hill, psychology instructor, who had several students volunteering at the hospital. She has committed to partner with SASH this fall, which will ensure a significant increase in student volunteers from San Antonio College. Psychology Professor A. Douglas McKenzie provided the most students this year for the program. The concept of service learning is that students will earn academic credit for community service that is relevant to their course and will thereby expand their understanding of the subject. “As a result, this is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Grams, who oversees the program at San Antonio College and encourages and assists faculty in initiating service learning as a part of their classes. For more information about the Service Learning Program at San Antonio College, contact Grams at 785-6044 |
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1300 San Pedro Ave. • San Antonio, Texas • 78212-4299 • (210) 733-2147 |