University Neighborhood Committee Recognized by Missouri Campus Compact

Earlier this month, the Rockhurst University Neighborhood Committee received the 2014 Outstanding Community and Campus Collaboration Award during the annual Heartland Campus Compact Conference.

The RUNC was formed in 2007 and is made up of representatives from the three neighborhood associations that border the campus and representatives from the University itself. The idea was to foster consistent two-way communication between the University and its neighboring communities.

Since that time, the RUNC has served not only as a space for communication, according to Alicia Douglas, the director of community relations for Rockhurst University. It’s had a broader impact.

“What this group has been able to accomplish has been awesome,” she said. “The RUNC is not just a way to exchange information with the surrounding community. We’ve also partnered on a variety of issues.”

Together, the RUNC has helped guide the design of the North Parking Garage, which includes new community amenities such as the University District Medical Care center and the Prosperity Center for Financial Opportunity. Through the RUNC, the University has also been able to provide service and leadership opportunities for students and resources for community members.

Campus Compact is an organization of college and university presidents that works to boost civic engagement as a part of campus life. Winners of the Outstanding Community and Campus Collaboration Award create and sustain a partnership that has a demonstrable impact on both the campus and its community partners. Rockhurst is a member of the Missouri Campus Compact.