“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ~Aristotle

Service Learning in FY13

Mount Mercy service learners clean toys for the Education Program’s childcare room.

 Each year, we engage students from middle school through college in the CMC mission through service. “Across several experiences with individual students and the courses I teach, we have been able to experience the spirit of Mercy by assisting in the delivery of programs and services dedicated to helping those in need. Our bond, forged because of the courageous work of the Sisters of Mercy, has enabled my students to experience service and the impact it can make on the lives of so many,” says Anne King, associate professor of marketing at Mount Mercy University.

Some students do their service learning off-site. Eva and Sean Deegan held a lemonade sale over their summer break to raise money for CMC programs.

Students are able to help CMC accomplish necessary tasks and learn important skills. Katie Pahlas, Grant Wood Area Education school social worker explains, “Our students who volunteer at CMC are students with severe autism. This opportunity to learn job related skills (i.e., putting away food, cleaning, and organizing shelves) not only helps CMC, but allows these students to strengthen skills which may someday transfer to the real world of work.”  Learning through service is both memorable and rewarding. Katie says, “The experience of lending their hands to help others is naturally gratifying. The relationship our students have with CMC is a perfect example of the importance of promoting the well being and dignity of every individual.”

 Read more of our FY13 Annual Report.

Check out more great volunteer photos on our Facebook page.