Southwestern University has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 2009, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

The honor roll program was launched in 2006 and is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.

Southwestern has been named to the Honor Roll every year since the program was started. The new Honor Roll, which was released Feb. 25, covers the 2008-2009 academic year. During this period, Southwestern students contributed an estimated 28,500 hours as activists and community service volunteers.

“Year after year, Southwestern students demonstrate their commitment to social and public issues of consequence by bringing their skill, energy and passion to organizations doing important work for the greater community,” said Suzy Pukys, director of civic engagement. “The President’s Honor Roll affirms that our students continue to set a high public service standard at state and national levels.”

A total of 742 colleges and universities nationwide were honored this year for their community service, including 30 in Texas.