The Dumke Center for Civic Engagement at Westminster University offers students a variety of community-focused opportunities, including annual volunteer events, political engagement initiatives, and service-learning programs designed to foster leadership and community connections.
Annual Community Service Events
The center facilitates several recurring annual events intended to connect students, staff, and faculty with the local community. In September, the university hosts a volunteer fair at Richer Commons, featuring more than 30 nonprofit organizations that students can meet to find potential service connections.
In October, the university holds its Day of Service, which serves as the largest volunteer event of the semester. This event is organized in collaboration with Hawthorne Elementary School and involves students, clubs, athletics, and faculty members assisting elementary school children with various service projects, such as creating drawings or assembling hygiene kits.
Semester-Based Engagement
The Dumke Center also hosts specialized events during the fall and spring semesters. In November, the university holds an annual hunger banquet, an interactive meal that aims to raise awareness regarding the systemic causes of hunger while fundraising for local nonprofits. A representative from Utahns Against Hunger has traditionally participated as a speaker during this event.
Other programming includes an MLK Day of Service held each January, where students from nearby schools are invited to the Westminster campus for university exploration. Past programming for this event has included science projects, service projects, university access initiatives, and movement-oriented activities. Additionally, the center offers an Alternative Spring Break in March, which has previously included traveling to other states for service or providing local volunteer opportunities.
Political and Voter Engagement
Beyond traditional volunteering, the Dumke Center emphasizes political engagement to empower students within their communities. The program works to register voters, provide information regarding upcoming elections, and encourage activism through various nonprofits.
To support these efforts, the center provides resources for students with various voting statuses to understand how they can participate in government. In September, the university hosts a voter registration party in Richer Commons that includes music, food, and activities to assist students in registering to vote in the state of Utah.
The Impact of Scholarships
Scholarships play a critical role in making the Westminster experience accessible to students whose families may not have a history of higher education. Sophie Caligiuri, a 2022 graduate, noted that attending a private, liberal arts college provided an opportunity that was unfamiliar to her family members.
Caligiuri, who majored in English with a minor in philosophy, expressed gratitude for the stability and inspiration provided by her scholarship. She described the university as an ideal environment to meet unique individuals and grow in a supportive setting.
Student Perspectives on Education
Kira Kaur, a 2020 graduate, also credited scholarship generosity for her ability to attend the university. Kaur, who grew up in a legal immigrant family, shared that her parents worked 16 hours a day at a small Indian restaurant to provide her and her siblings with educational opportunities.
Kaur emphasized that the personalized learning experience provided by small class sizes and dedicated professors allowed her to feel accepted and safe. She expressed a desire to eventually give back to the community with the same generosity and kindness that her donors provided to her.
Supporting Student Success
The university encourages continued support for these programs through donations to the alumni community. According to the university, gifts can range from $5 upwards and are intended to make a direct impact on the lives of current and future students.
