Service recognition programs grows at a rapid pace

Monday, June 6, 2016

In addition to their degree, a record 115 spring 2016 Oklahoma State University graduates were recognized for serving the university and the Stillwater community through participation in the Creating Opportunities for Responsible Development program, or CORD.

In its sixth year, CORD recognizes outstanding Cowboy graduates by rewarding students with an honorary orange graduation cord distinguishing them for their outstanding community service.  The CORD program, sponsored by OSU’s Service-Learning Volunteer Center and the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, honors those who have completed more than 300 service hours as a graduate student or more than 400 service hours as an undergraduate.

“The CORD provides a testimonial of outstanding service to the community,” said Joyce Montgomery, Service-Learning Volunteer Center coordinator.  “This semester we are pleased to recognize 115 graduates who combined for more than 46,400 recorded service hours. That is a 28 percent increase in participants and a 31 percent increase in reported service hours from the previous academic year.”

During the fall 2015 semester 23 recipients received the CORD distinction with 10,229 community services hours being reported.  For the 2015-2016 academic year, a total of 138 graduates were honored by the CORD program representing a total of 55,600 service hours.  Service hours are recorded on CampusLink, which is administered through the Department of Leadership and Campus Life, and monitored during the students’ tenures at OSU.

Since its inception in 1984, the Service-Learning Volunteer Center has promoted leadership for Oklahoma State University students through interactive and meaningful service-learning activities, providing research opportunities and connecting with society to promote the general welfare of its citizens. For more information about the SLVC, visit volunteer.okstate.edu.