University Launches Partners For Progress Web Site

SALISBURY, MD--- Fostering connections between the campus and greater community, Salisbury University has unveiled a new Partners For Progress Web site:  www.salisbury.edu/partnersforprogress.

An initiative of SU’s Town-Gown Council, the site compiles the University’s community building efforts in one, user-friendly location, and provides a plethora of information for area residents.  Highlights include contacts for many SU outreach organizations that offer educational, athletic, social and artistic experiences on campus, as well as programs and services in the region.  There are details about cultural events and lectures, stories about faculty, staff and students who make a difference in the community, and testimonials about campus partnerships from regional leaders, including Salisbury Mayor and SU alumnus James Ireton.

“University and city relations are stronger than ever,” he said.  “When SU students are assisting our community in beautification efforts, when we break ground on the new Perdue School of Business, when we co-sponsor sustainability efforts, or when we engage the public in political discourse at PACE, I know...that the city and University are moving forward hand-in-hand.”

Since one of the pillars of an SU education is civic engagement and outreach, the site also has links to registered student clubs and to SU’s Volunteer Center.  Established in 2009, the center is connecting students who care with organizations in need.  To date, more than 650 students have registered to volunteer with some 59 community partners that have offered more than 718 projects.  To give SU students an opportunity to help in the Salisbury area, sign up at www.salisbury.edu/volunteer.

Another feature of the new site is a link to SU’s Speakers Bureau, allowing groups or event coordinators to search more than 300 faculty and staff who are willing to share their expertise on variety of topics.  To find a speaker, visit www.salisbury.edu/speakers.

The drive for change came from suggestions heard at Town-Gown meetings to better coordinate and promote community partnerships.

“SU brims with talent and energy and so does our community.  Better and better coordination is the goal.  This effort is the next logical step and we are excited for folks to visit and make use of it,” said council chair Scott Jensen, SU’s assistant to the president for government and community relations.

President Janet Dudley-Eshbach announced her Partners for Progress in the Community Initiative in 2004, inspiring the campus to strengthen town-gown ties.  The Town-Gown Council is one of the many positive outcomes of that initiative, providing a forum for leaders, business owners, residents, faculty, staff and students to meet regularly to discuss issues and build mutual respect.

For more information about the new Web site call 410-543-6030.