Center for Civic Engagement

The Civic Engagement Hall of Fame is an annual program sponsored by the president and the Center for Civic Engagement. 

One recipient is selected from each award category and the awardee is honored at a Hall of Fame Celebration, which is usually held in April.

Award Criteria 

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals for their efforts in addressing social and environmental challenges facing our communities. Nominees must possess sustained commitment and passion for improving, assisting and helping organizations in need through their civic engagement efforts.

Award Categories

All recipients are required to be in attendance at the Hall of Fame induction celebration.

• Faculty: a Salem State University full-time or part-time faculty member.
• Staff/Administration: a Salem State University full-time or part-time staff or administration employee.
• Student: a Salem State University undergraduate or graduate matriculated student.
• Alumni: an individual that has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from Salem State University

Past nominees were recognized for:

• Advocating for and leading programs that support marginalized communities
• Participating in ongoing service-learning initiatives
• Coordinating events and programs that address social injustices and support civic causes
• Serving on boards for non-profit organizations
• Donating time to tutor and educate children, adult learners and English language learners 

Service-learning at Salem State is a teaching methodology in which students learn through thoughtfully organized service and structured reflection tied directly to academic objectives. Service activities, conducted with and meeting the needs of a community partner, foster civic responsibility and deepen academic understanding.

Service-learning courses are beneficial to everyone involved. Community partners benefit from the creativity and new level of energy that students and faculty bring to their organization in a sustainable way that often allows for more in-depth projects than a singular volunteer opportunity.

Salem State University is excited to build new collaborative relationships between the university and surrounding community organizations. The service-learning team is here to help facilitate faculty and community organizations seeking to establish new partnerships.

If you have any questions or need help with a project idea please contact Cynthia Lynch, director of the Center for Civic Engagement at 978.542.2873.

At her 2008 inauguration, President Meservey charged the college to build on its legacy of service to the North Shore and beyond by establishing a center for civic engagement. She stated, "It is our duty to ensure that students understand the importance of community involvement, and that they are well versed in the privileges and responsibilities that come with citizenship in a democratic republic."

Salem State's Center for Civic Engagement supports the college's service-learning and community service initiatives. It acts as a liaison to surrounding non-profit and community agencies, and as a resource and training center for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Community partners this year include the AIDS Action Committee (Boston), Boys & Girls Club (Salem), Danvers Historical Society, Essex National Heritage Commission, Ford School (Lynn), Girls Inc. (Lynn), Healthy Peabody Initiative, Lynn Time Bank, Operation Troop Support Inc. (Danvers), Plummer Home for Boys (Salem), Salem Mission, Salem Parks and Recreation, and Saltonstall School (Salem).

Here's a sample of past programs developed by the Center for Civic Engagement:

• Get Out the Vote: Voting and Early Voting Details
• Election Resource Site Created for Students by Students
• Prof. Cindy Vincent (Communications) Collaborates with Congressman Moulton's Office to Host Community Discussion on Civic Technology
• Pathways to Civic Learning Conference
• Advocacy Day: For People Who Want to Take Action