UC Bearcats are giving back

The University of Cincinnati’s psychology program has been cultivating a culture of service, and the results are attracting attention — and awards. Through service learning or curricula that combine traditional study with community outreach, both students and professors are being recognized for their efforts.

“It is sometimes difficult for students to connect or apply what they are learning in class to life outside of the classroom walls,” psychology Professor Educator Erinn Green said. “Service learning is one of the best ways to make that connection.”

In award-winning courses, professors are teaching concepts by getting students out in their communities and working with organizations that help Cincinnati residents.

UC student Adam Cassini took the knowledge he gained during in-class service learning and applied it to a cause close to him.

Cassini was recognized with the Charles J. Ping Student Service Award for his work for the community. Recipients are nominated by an educator. Professor Church-Nally recognized Cassini for his work with 12-to-18-year-olds through the arts and music summer camp Girls Rock Cincinnati.

When it came time to construct a project for his senior capstone, it was obvious to Cassini what he was going to do. As a music lover himself, he felt compelled to give back to Cincinnati's music scene. From fund-raisers to concerts to shows, everything was with a purpose: to help young Cincinnatians find solace in music, just as he did.

 “I thought that if I was going to go out and make a difference, it would be in a place that meant something to me,” said Cassini.

Going behind the scenes of music fund-raising was uncharted territory for Cassini. While he had a fair share of setbacks, it wasn’t nearly enough to knock him down. In fact, it only made him stronger.

Church-Nally, his mentor throughout the project, encouraged making mistakes, he said.

“She tells you it is OK to fail,” said Cassini. “She was just exceptional. I failed so much while doing it. I thought it was an exceptional way to learn.”

Cassini didn't stop at his organizational leadership capstone project.

“When they tell you it is making a difference, it makes you want to do it more,” Cassini said.

Cassini's example is exactly what Church-Nally hopes for.

“It’s really exciting for me to see the students not only engage in the work but also see them find the purpose and the mission in their life. It's just so impactful to me,” Church-Nally said.

“We always start with what the biggest issues are facing Cincinnati and go from there,” Church-Nally said. “We focus more on small to medium nonprofits. With the small to medium nonprofits, the students can really carry out the projects.”

Longevity is a priority for Church-Nally when it comes to her service learning. Her ultimate goal: for the students' efforts to make a meaningful difference.

“Just seeing the impact that service learning has and how much it’s benefiting both UC and also the students is so wonderful,” she said.

Featured image at top: UC recognized students and faculty who made a difference through service learning. Photo/Gestalt for Pixabay