Utah State University Val R. Christensen Service Center Annual Report May 2014 | Page 8

The Utah State University Service Center began in 1970 as a positive response to the Vietnam War protest movement. The name of the Service Center was changed in 1999 to the Val R. Christensen Service Center in honor of Dr. Christensen’s help and efforts in starting this organization.

With a focus on direct service, community engagement, and student leadership, the Service Center has continued to grow and improve the volunteer opportunities available to Utah State students. Currently, the Service Center hosts over 15 student-led programs, working with a variety of populations in the community. We are preparing students to make life-long contributions through genuine service.

Dr. Christensen taught, "Values are the compass, the navigational system, and the beacon to guide your decision making and give order to your priorities.” For over 44 years, the Service Center has tried to live by the values taught by Dr. Christensen--community engagement, direct service, and leadership development. Students join the Service Center because they believe in those values. Anna M., a first-time volunteer, stated, ""I joined the Service Center to get involved with something productive and something that mattered."

The Service Center will continue to strive to uphold

The values taught by Dr. Christensen as our

student leaders develop new and innovative ways

to give back to Utah State and the community.

Most of all, we will continue to teach others what

Dr. Christensen taught us:

"Nothing brings more personal

satisfaction than to reach beyond

yourself into the lives of other people.”

ABOUT THE

VAL R. CHRISTENSEN

SERVICE CENTER

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2013-2014 USU/SA Service VP Kevin Meacham and Dr. Christensen