Buies Creek, N.C.-Serving the community–it began when Buies Creek Academy first opened its doors in 1887 and has been a central theme in the Campbell University Statement of Purpose throughout the years. The concept was further reinforced with the establishment of the Gore Center for Servant Leadership in 2008, whose goal is to provide service opportunities and servant learning projects across the curriculum for Campbell students and faculty. And now, the university has reinforced its dedication by joining North Carolina’s chapter of Campus Compact, a national organization designed to educate college students in the art of community service.
Established over 20 years ago, Campus Compact has acquired more than 35 state offices across the country, including one in Puerto Rico, and has engaged more than 20 million students in service and service-learning projects. An estimated $7.1 million dollars worth of service hours have been donated annually and students have worked in thousands of communities both locally and around the world to provide needed services such as tutoring at risk youth, building houses for low-income families, conducting environmental safety studies and caring for the sick, homeless and the elderly.
Campus Minister Faithe Beam explained why Campbell wanted to get involved with Campus Compact.
“Woven throughout Campbell’s statement of purpose is the theme of service and commitment to our community,” Beam said. “Our membership demonstrates that commitment to grow in community service efforts and to develop students in areas of responsibility, leadership and awareness of community.”
Campus Compact offers resources, training and opportunities that will support Campbell’s vision of reaching out to the community, Beam added.
“Strengthening our commitment to civic engagement will enhance our well-being here on campus and in Harnett County, physically, emotionally and spiritually,” she said.
Campbell students already participate in several volunteer programs such as Operation Inasmuch, a state-wide endeavor in which students help minister to the community through various service projects, and the Martin Luther King Day of Service, which saw students sponsor a blood drive and volunteer with local service agencies. Other organizations such as the Baptist Student Union, Campus Crusade for Christ, Christian Pharmacists Fellowship and the Adam Smith Club are also greatly involved in service ministry. Campus Compact can help cultivate that volunteer spirit even more, Beam said.
“It is exciting to see our students reaching out to the community in so many unique ways. This affiliation will only continue to motivate the good work of our students, faculty and staff.”
Through the Campus Compact program, students can also qualify for grants and scholarship awards. The first year of involvement for Campbell will include developing a framework for civic engagement with the objectives of involving the entire community, developing a clearinghouse for service opportunities and attracting service volunteers. Any and all students, faculty and staff are eligible to participate in the Campus Compact program on campus, Beam said.