A week of celebratory activities surrounding the inauguration of Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., as the 14th president of Wittenberg, culminated with a community service event titled “Celebrating New Beginnings: Day of Service and Celebration” on Sept. 8.

Since community service is central to the university’s mission, it was fitting that a week of events celebrating all dimensions of student life ended with a day of service in the community. Work took place at five different sites throughout the community, including a neighborhood beautification project at Lincoln Elementary School’s Commemorative Garden, where Joyner met with area families, Lincoln students and K-12 education leaders.

“Celebrating New Beginnings: Day of Service and Celebration” is a partnership between Wittenberg’s Community Service Office and Springfield’s Promise Neighborhood, a comprehensive, collaborative commitment to ensuring that children succeed academically. Promise Neighborhood was inspired by New York-based social activist and educator Geoffrey Canada, who created the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) in New York City.