The Experiential Learning and Engaged Citizen Showcase was held Tuesday evening, April 15, 2015. at the Olmsted Center on Drake University’s campus. This event allows the service learning community, which includes Drake students and community partners, to come together and hear about the projects that students and partners have done or are currently doing.
Adult Literacy Coordinator, Anne Murr was honored with the Exceptional Experiential Learning Project Award and the Exceptional Experiential Learning Staff Award. Marti Wolf of the Adult Literacy Center, Professor Melissa Sturm-Smith and her LEAD 100 class were the recipients of the Exceptional Experiential Learning Project Award. Marti Wolf’s role was to coordinate the Adult Literacy Center with the LEAD 100 class. The class was told to create a project that involved the community and that would raise funds for the Adult Literacy Center. That is how the Adult Spelling Bee was created. The class handled every aspect from the logistics, marketing, signing teams up, finding a venue and running the event. By partnering with the LEAD 100 class, the Adult Literacy Center allowed those students to practice service that could not be accomplished in a classroom setting.
The Adult Literacy Center under Anne’s leadership has been able to create a viable and successful service for adults in the Des Moines community who need assistance with basic reading and writing skills. The Adult Literacy Center services over 100 adults each year, with many more on a waiting list. Besides Anne, volunteers from the Drake and greater Des Moines communities who are dedicated to literacy and community outreach staff the center. As Director, Anne raises operating funds, creates the programs, recruits and trains volunteers and meets with adults in need of assistance.
When asked how she felt about being honored, Anne stated, “My reward is the gratitude from our learners. No award can match that.”