Minot State University Receives Service Award | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 3/8/2013

Most colleges and universities want their students to excel academically and while that`s true, Minot State University also cares about what their students can do outside of the classroom.

"We`ve had hundreds and hundreds of people going out and volunteering in supporting our community," said MSU President David Fuller.

With an emphasis on that, MSU received the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering around the community.

"What they learn is how to contribute and help others. And, it also helps them stay in the community and get to know our community better," said Fuller.

Many students say it`s rewarding to lend a helping hand.

Brittany Diegel has been racking up many volunteering hours and is also acting as a mentor and a leader to help students give back to Minot.

"If you are going to live in a community and be somewhere you need to help them in some way," said Diegel.

Students helped organize a cleanup after the 2011 flood and volunteered many hours to promote awareness on homelessness in the area.

With all of that in mind, Fuller says there is still so much more to do in 2013. "There are so many things in our campus that allow us to really move forward and to make it a part of us."

Fuller said the next step would be to integrate their volunteering vision into their curriculum for years to come.

MSU is the only North Dakota university or college to earn this award in 2013.

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