AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific University’s Center for Academic Service-Learning and Research hosts a 20th anniversary celebration for its Service-Learning and College Headed and Mighty Proud (C.H.A.M.P.) programs, on Sat., Oct. 29, from 2–4 p.m.
The celebration includes a historic slideshow, an APU string ensemble performance, and light refreshments. Special guests include APU President Jon R. Wallace, DBA; Center for Academic Service-Learning and Research founder Cliff Briggs; Vice President Emeritus of APU Cliff Hamlow; 2011 California Teacher of the Year Beverly Gonzalez; Azusa Mayor Joe Rocha; the first C.H.A.M.P. fourth grade teachers from Murray Elementary; and leadership from the Azusa Rotary Club, a founding C.H.A.M.P. partner.
C.H.A.M.P. began in 1991 as a volunteer group of APU students. They partnered with Azusa Unified School District (AUSD) to help educate two fourth grade classes at Murray Elementary School about the importance of going to college. As the program grew, five more elementary schools joined its ranks: Lee, Mountain View, Dalton, Powell, and Magnolia. In 1998, the C.H.A.M.P. program became a service-learning project for APU students enrolled in Diversity in the Classroom. Since its inception, C.H.A.M.P. has educated more than 10,000 local fourth grade students about the importance of college.
APU’s Center for Academic Service-Learning and Research integrates academic learning with relevant community service. The students contribute knowledge, energy, and ideas to the community, and in return, the community provides the student with real-life experiences that bring theory to life. The faculty then integrates service learning experiences into their course curricula. Over the last 20 years, Service-Learning has grown to include more than 130 courses per year involving 2,500-3,000 APU students. APU’s Service-Learning program also sponsors programs through community-based Federal Work Study, including Azusa Reads, Azusa Writes, Azusa Counts, Azusa Calculates, Girls on the Move, and Kids on the Move, as well as participation in Advancement Via Individual Determination (A.V.I.D.) through the AUSD.
To attend the 20th anniversary celebration or schedule an interview, call Rachel White, assistant director of public relations, at (626) 815-4502.
