When Sister Kathleen Weider founded the Partners for Learning program at Nazareth College in 1991, one of her
main purposes was to get more college students involved in community service in
Rochester. Sister never dreamed 25 years later the program would reach a
national level by receiving the Grand Silver Medal from the National Association of Student Professional Administrators
in Higher Education (NASPA). The award is the second highest given by NASPA.
The Partners for Learning program focuses on
poverty reduction, education, and community empowerment by partnering Nazareth College students with children, teachers and staff
from local urban sites. Adam Lewandowski, one of the program
coordinators, said he’s grateful for how far the program has come since
Sister Kathleen set it in motion.
"I
am very happy to carry the torch for student experiential learning through
service to the community and am very thankful for the work that Sister Kathleen
did in creating this culture here at Nazareth,” he said.
Sister Kathleen said she is filled with joy and deep gratitude with how much growth and impact her
original vision has had.
“I simply praise God
for all of those who have benefited in countless ways from the impact of the
current Nazareth College program – and all those who will learn and spread
those values instilled by our four
Sisters who founded the college and all of our Sisters who have served at
Nazareth College since 1924,” she said.
The Partners for Learning program will be receive its award and be presented to approximately 8,000 people at the NASPA Annual
Conference in March.