Rockhurst University has received the 2008-2009 American Humanics Community Service and Volunteerism Benchmark Award. Rockhurst, a member of the American Humanics Academic Alliance, offers the American Humanics National Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, which demonstrates the attainment of essential nonprofit competencies, practical internship experience in nonprofit organizations, and leadership in student organizations.

American Humanics students at Rockhurst University contributed nearly 1,300 hours of service to their local and regional community in the ’08-’09 school year, with an average of over 22 hours per student. Through intensive service projects and collaboration with local agencies of Girl Scouts of the USA, Feeding America, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (all American Humanics National Nonprofit Partner organizations), Rockhurst has made significant contributions to the strengthening of these national partnerships. AH students at Rockhurst students have also demonstrated a unique connection with their surrounding community through their organization of a Neighborhood Security and Community Engagement Meeting.

Under the leadership of AH Campus Director Jennifer Rinella, Rockhurst’s Nonprofit Client Project has provided a challenging academic project for AH students, while also increasing the capacity of local nonprofits, and raising community awareness of the professionalism and competence of American Humanics students.

Students and representatives from Rockhurst will travel to the American Humanics Management/Leadership Institute in Phoenix, AZ in January 2010 to receive this award and be recognized by the 1,000 students, faculty, nonprofit and corporate leaders in attendance.

American Humanics is a national alliance of colleges, universities and nonprofits dedicated to preparing the next generation of nonprofit sector leaders. Founded in 1948, American Humanics is affiliated with nearly 70 colleges and universities nationwide including Rockhurst University, and partners with more than 60 national nonprofit organizations including March of Dimes, the YMCA, and the Girl Scouts of the USA.