The Richter Center Ambassadors

As an engineering student, its was always difficult for me  to find service opportunities that related to my major – until I started volunteering with MESA.  MESA (which stands for Math, Engineering,  Science Achievement) is a K-12 program that prepares students for higher education in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). The program is structured to encourage students to  learn about math, engineering and science concepts in novel ways.

First established more than 40 years ago,  MESA has centers throughout California, and 8 other states.The MESA Program at CSU Fresno has been very active in the valley,  serving students for more than 30 years.  For more information on this program, or to  find out when you can volunteer, contact Kirstin McCoy or Louie Lopez.

Volunteering with MESA can place you in any number of capacities – as a coach at the middle school you attended years ago, a judge during a catapult competition, or as an instructor during a Saturday workshop on prosthetics. Whether you’re a college student unsure of your future career, or a professional who has been working in a STEM discipline for years, MESA would  love your help. I, for one, am looking forward to volunteering with you.

-Ambassador Chris

Hey Folks!  The newest edition of The Epicenter – the Richter Center’s twice-a-month e-newsletter, chock-full of volunteer opportunities and other service-related news is out.  You can download a pdf of the edition at the link below.  If you’re interested in subscribing to The Epicenter visit the Richter Center’s website for subscription instructions.

Enjoy!

The Epicenter 9-27-10

Marla Hartman, American Humanics Spirit of Service Award winner, with President John D. Welty (left) and Dr. Matthew Jendian

Last night, May 5, 2010 Fresno State President, John D. Welty, hosted the annual Service Recognition Reception, honoring the spirity of community and those involved in community engagement and service-learning at the university.  This event is one way that the university officially recognizes the thousands of Fresno State students, faculty, and staff who provide service to their community.

Graduates from the American Humanics Nonprofit Administration Program, student participants in the Radin Community Service Scholarship Program and the Service Scholars Grant program, service-learning faculty, and the Richter Center Ambassadors were all acknowledged for their service efforts in the 2009-10 academic year.

In addition to the group recognition, the following special awards were made:

2009-2010 Spirit of Service AWARDS - Recognizing exemplary commitment to community engagement

• University Student Volunteer of the Year - CELESTE PILEGARD
• Community Service Scholarship Program - SUE VANG
• Scholars Service Grant Program - ESPERANZA NAVARRO
• American Humanics Program - MARLA HARTMAN
• Faculty Member - BETSY HAYS, Assistant Professor of Mass Communications & Journalism
• Staff Member - LANNY LARSON, University Communications
• Special Recognition - SMITTCAMP FAMILY HONORS COLLEGE
• Community Partner - CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CENTRAL CALIFORNIA FOUNDATION

To view a list of all of the recognized students, download the reception program.  You can also see the remarks made by President Welty and Richter Center director, Chris Fiorentino, by clicking on the links below.

2010 Service Recognition Reception Program

2010 Service Reception remarks by President Welty

Remarks by Chris Fiorentino recognizing President Welty’s Service

Hey Service-heads,

I’m writing to report that I just finished my pledge with Picture the Change this semester!

I pledged to spend 10 hours this semester volunteering in a completely new way. That meant that none of the typical volunteer work I do would count—I had to find things to do that I never had before! Here’s the breakdown of my pledge progress:

Hour 1: Salvation Army Senior Center Talent Show 2/28

I spent my first hour volunteering at an event put on by the Ambassadors’ own Cassidy Smith. Students from Fresno State’s Honors College showed off their talents for the residents at the Senior Center. I gave a (hopefully funny) speech about children!

Hours 2-6: F.U.S.D. Science Olympiad 4/10

I spent the day judging students from Fresno Unified as they competed in a science competition! It was incredible to see how smart and interested these youngsters are.

Hours 7-8: “Haul of Justice” Service Bike Ride 5/2

This was by far the most “completely new” of any of my service experience. A small group of service-oriented young people set up a superhero bike ride! We all dressed as superheroes and rode around Fresno with the goal of helping anyone in need. We spent most of the morning cleaning up litter at Carey Park behind Fashion Fair! It was a ton of fun and I hope this happens again soon.

Hours 9-10: KVPR Annual Wine-Tasting Event 5/2

This was a great way to celebrate the completion of my pledge! I spent the afternoon bussing plates and glasses at Valley Public Radio’s wine-tasting fundraiser at the gorgeous Lester Estate on the San Joaquin River. It was a really fun way to give back to one of my favorite radio stations.

Final thoughts: I had a total blast finding new and creative ways to help my community. One thing I DID notice though is how much harder it was to complete 10 hours when I was just looking for single events. At the Bulldog Pantry or the Richter Center (where I do most of my volunteer work) I could easily complete 10 hours in a couple of weeks. So if you’re looking to spend a lot of hours volunteering, I completely recommend finding one organization you care about and really commit your time there (rather than waiting for individual events to come up). That being said, I had so much fun completing my pledge, and one-day volunteer commitments are a great way to see what lots of different agencies are doing to help benefit the community!

I hope everyone’s pledge progress is coming along well. When you complete your pledge, don’t forget to send documentation to fresnostateRCA@gmail.com to get entered into a drawing for a totally cool gift basket!

Over and out,

Ambassador Celeste

The Richter Center is now accepting applications for new Ambassadors for the 2009-10 academic year.

The Richter Center Ambassadors is a team of students with exceptional dedication to service.  This year, 3 – 5 students will be selected to join the existing Ambassador team to help further develop the program and extend outreach to Fresno State and the community.  The following list of past projects provides a sample of service-related activities candidates can expect to engage in as an Ambassador.  Last year, Richter Center Ambassadors produced the Picture the Change campaign to assist Fresno State students, faculty, and staff in creating pledges to positively impact the community; represented Fresno State at service related forums, conferences, and symposiums; participated in leadership trainings and workshops; represented Fresno State service efforts to community leaders and the media; supported and promoted Richter Center events and service projects like Serving Fresno Day, Kid’s Day, and the Services to the Community Expo; among many other activities.

The Richter Center is currently seeking strong candidates who can demonstrate the following desired qualities:

• Demonstrated commitment to and passion for community engagement and service-learning
• Proven leadership skills/experience or a genuine interest in leadership opportunities
• Independently engaged in service activities
• Strong communication skills
• Responsible and reliable
• Comfortable working groups
• Creative thinker
• Self-motivated
• Able to commit roughly 2 – 4 hours per week for one full academic year
• Ability to attend weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

For more information or to apply, contact: Mellissa Jessen, Assistant Director of the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning at Fresno State by calling 278-6986 or by emailing mjessen@csufresno.edu.

USU Productions team submitted their pledge to support the Bulldog Pantry, a student-run emergency food pantry serving up 175 families per week in the Fresno State neighborhood.  The Pantry is located at the James R. Carr University Lutheran Center across Shaw from Fresno State.  The Richter Center Ambassadors are pleased to see this team of student leaders make a pledge to Picture the Change!