Commitment to Community Engagement

Inspired by the university’s mission, “to impact society in a transformative way—regionally, nationally, and globally—by engaging with partners outside the traditional borders of the university campus,” this award is designed to highlight and celebrate significant contributions of staff members who engage with the broader community. The award celebrates staff who form active and collaborative partnerships with surrounding regional, national and global communities. It honors the efforts of individuals in various roles who advance innovative, sustainable, and productive community-centered change in a number of ways.

Criteria includes leading by example in providing exceptional service to university and community partners; demonstrating a strong commitment to increasing their own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to community engagement within their sphere of influence; creating and nurturing a welcoming and equitable environment for community and university collaboration; cultivating authentic connections with individuals and organizations, anchored in valuing community-held experience and knowledge; raising awareness of the impact of CMU and the broader community working together for the greater good; and making a positive impact within the CMU community related to community engagement, such as inspiring others to engage with or create communities of practice.