Dr. Zark VanZandt, Dean of the University of Southern Maine's
Lewiston-Auburn College, has announced the appointment of
Laurie A. Hearne to serve as Service-Learning Coordinator.
Hearne, an AmeriCorps* VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America)
with the Maine Campus Compact, serves as a liaison for students,
faculty, and non-profit community partners in and around Androscoggin
County. Her duties range from connecting students to service-learning
projects, organizing events, supporting literacy and new resident
efforts, and collaboratively mentoring local youth. In addition,
Hearne will be compiling survey data and lending academic
administrative assistance and support.
Service-learning is academically-based community service*a
structured learning experience that combines public service
with preparation and reflection, in addition to providing
students with an opportunity to learn about the context in
which the service is provided, and fosters civic engagement
and responsible citizenship. The Campus Compact is a national
coalition of more than 950 college and university presidents,
representing some 5 million students who are committed to
fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education.
Hearne lives in Lewiston and is a graduate of the University
of Southern Maine's Lewiston-Auburn College. After her VISTA
year, she intends to pursue a master's degree in either social
work or leadership studies.
