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Agapé Center - Historical Highlights

Service and learning have been central to the institutional vocation of Messiah College since its inception in 1909. The stories of student and faculty involvement within the local community and abroad have been documented throughout the College's history as having a strong foundation for a service tradition that has become a disctinctive part of a Messiah education. Throughout the years, these early informal expressions of service have given way to a more institutional approach to service-learning.

1909	Historic Roots of Service at Messiah College Since the inception of the College in 1909, service has been an integral part Messiah's foundation.
1983	Institutional Commitment to Service President D. Ray Hostetter requested sabbatical to partner with Daystar University in Kenya.
1989	Service-Learning Courses Conceptualized Academic Dean Harold Heie conceptualized the first SERV course sequence.
1991	First Director of Service-Learning Appointed Vern Blackburn was designated as the first Director of Service-Learning.
1994	Dr. John Eby replaced Vern Blackburn as Director
1997	Centralizing Service-Learning with Academics Dr. Mary Ann Hollinger was appointed as Associate Dean for Expternal programs to centralized curricular and co-curricular service-learning.
1998	Building Dedicated to Emerging Program President Sawatsky dedicated the newly renovated Agape Center for Service and Learning.
2002	Host National Faith-Based Service-Learning (FBSL) Conference Messiah College hosted a Biennual National Service-Learning Conference for Faith-Based Colleges and Universities to direct constructive conversation.
2004	Recognized for Community Involvement Dr. John Eby was nominated as one of ten finalists at the 2004 National Gathering of Educators for Community Engagement.
2005	Research and Review of Programs The Agape Center was awarded a $15,000 grant from CCU to study spirituality and faith-based service-learning diaglogue.
2005	Chad Frey named Director of the Agape Center and Service-Learning

2006	COE Service-Learning Committee Established Messiah College adopted an institutional definition of service-learning, outlined common criteria, and established a standing service-learning governance committee
2007	Recognized on President's Community Service Honor Roll Nationally recognized with distinction by the President and Corporation for National Community Service
2008	Received New Carnegie Foundation Classification for Community Engagement
2009	Completed comprehensive 7 year program review
2010	Recognized by US News and World Report Highlighted as a "Program to Look For...' in service-learning

2011

Listed in Washington Monthly Top 10 List

Ranked for the second year in a row among the best baccalaureate colleges and universities for community service activities

2012

Hosted 7th National Faith-Based Service-Learning Conference

Presenters included Maureen Curley, President of Campus Compact and Barbara Holland, international service-learning researcher and consultant.

2013

Together For Tomorrow National Award

Received national award by US Department of Education, Corporation for National Community Service, and White House for partnership with Harrisburg School District to improve student acheivement.