Newman Fellow Finds Joy in Community Service

Jennifer Stroot ’14 is a 2014 Newman Civic Fellow, one of 197 college student leaders nationwide recognized for their community service by the Campus Compact coalition of 1.200 college and university presidents.

“As a McKendree Community Service Scholar, Jenny has been a campus leader in public service,” said Dr. James Dennis. “She has set a great example for her classmates in serving individuals with special needs and raising awareness on issues affecting low-income populations. She is, and will be, a force for positive change in her community.”

Jenny coordinated student involvement in Bridge the Divide, a program which gives special needs children the opportunity to ride and care for horses. On campus, she directed Hunger and Homelessness Week events, led numerous food drives, and was deeply involved in McKendree Interfaith, the Disability Awareness Club, and other organizations. She graduated magna cum laude in May with a degree in elementary education.

Joy inspires her passion for service, Jenny says. “The joy you see on an elderly adult’s face as you help them shout, ‘Bingo!’ The outburst of joy the students with special needs exhibit as they make a basket from on top of a horse. The joy that radiates off an organization as you help them through a donation or simply by lending a hand. I’m honored to find it every time I volunteer, and it makes me want to continue giving back.”