Mayors National Service Ceremony Held at Fairfield
On Tuesday, April 9, in Bellarmine Hall, Town of Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau issued a proclamation recognizing Mayor’s Day of Recognition for National Service. First Selectman Tetreau joined more than 800 mayors from across the nation for this inaugural initiative- created as a bi-partisan effort to highlight the impact of national service. Two communities in Connecticut, Fairfield and New Haven, held special events for the occasion.
The ceremony was held on campus, in part, because Ƭapp is the host institution for the Connecticut Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA project, a Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) program.
The event was hosted by University President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. who, calling this occasion noteworthy, said, “It is a great personal pleasure for me and an honor for all of us at Ƭapp to host this special occasion. One of the hallmarks of Jesuit education has always been the emphasis that we place on “giving back,” encouraging our students to always be thinking about what they can do to support those who need their help.”
First Selectman Tetreau said, “National service is a vital resource for our community. AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps participants have a positive and lasting impact, making our town a better place to live. I would like to thank these dedicated national service members for giving back to our community.”
Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS, said” I commend First Selectman Mike Tetreau for joining in this important effort. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with local leaders to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service. “ As the federal agency for service and volunteering, CNCS annually engages more than four million citizens in service at more than 70,000 sites across the country through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs. CNCS leverages federal and private funds to support organizations that achieve measurable results where the need is greatest. A significant portion of this investment is focused on cities. CNCS has investments in more than 500 cities with a population of at least 30,000. Last year, CNCS leveraged more than $1 billion in investments for organizations operating or based in these cities. National service also plays a key role in many smaller cities and towns and rural areas.
Attending the event in addition to Connecticut Campus Compact staff, University staff and AmericCorps and Senior Corps volunteers (Foster Grandparents program) were representatives from some of the organizations who are the beneficiaries of the services including Operation Hope, Public Allies Connecticut, and McKinley School.
