Community Work and Learning helps Katies "get out and vote"

The Center for Community Work and Learning helped students exercise their right to vote in November, by educating students about the election process and providing transportation to the polls.

The center offered mock voting booths to students ahead of Election Day, to familiarize students with the process for voting. Then on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, Community Work and Learning provided shuttle service to the polling place for resident students throughout the day.  

We know that St. Catherine University students participated broadly in the general election in 2012, with many of them voting for the very first time. Community Work and Learning transported 232 students to Hillcrest Recreation Center, with 27.1%. of St. Kate’s resident students utilizing the van service. The van service began Election Day by offering transportation at set intervals between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., but because of the popularity of the service staff decided to run the shuttle constantly through 7:30 p.m.

"St. Kate's Voter Turnout has been incredible today," said D'Ann Urbaniak Lesch, assistant director of Community Work and Learning. "I  felt so inspired by our students, and their energy and enthusiasm around exercising their right to vote!"

Here is a sampling of what students had to say about the experience: 
"It was so exciting! It was simple and everyone should do it!" — Laura Crepeau '16

“I'm excited because it's my first time voting!" — Holly Staples '15

"The freedom to vote is really important to me. I'm happy that I live in a society that allows my voice to be heard." — Kerrick Sarbacker '14

"This is my first year voting, and I feel strongly toward the candidates. Now is an important time to vote because our economy, education, and healthcare systems are topics of importance in our country and for us as college students." — Ria Foslien '15

The Center for Community Work and Learning strives to connect curriculum with the greater community. The role the center plays for St. Kate’s students directly correlates to the institution’s mission of developing ethical, effective leaders. Through hands-on experiences in the community, students learn about important issues connected to their coursework while serving the needs of the community.

Students have a wide variety of opportunities for participation with the Center for Community Work and Learning. For more information, visit www.stkate.edu/cwl.