Each year, Lynn University first-year students and faculty members alike unite to face pressing issues and foster positive change through Lynn's Citizenship Project. This year, several faculty-led projects stood out for their impactful contributions.
Making a difference
Anna Krift, professor and Citizenship Project director, and her two classes from the College of Arts and Sciences spearheaded efforts to clean the mangroves along the Intracoastal at Spanish River Park, which won the "Best Creativity" category at Citizenship Celebration. Their collective effort resulted in removing 198 pounds of trash, including micro-plastics, highlighting the urgency of environmental conservation.
The class also had faculty and staff sign their plastic reduction pledge—a document that pledges to minimize the use of plastics—and created QR codes with information on environmentally friendly politicians and the damaging effects of plastic in our environment. "The students' dedication to making a difference in our community is a testament to the values we uphold here at Lynn," said Krift.
Giving back
In the College of Communication and Design, Mike Arsenault, associate dean and professor, and class demonstrated compassion for animal welfare through their service at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue and pet food drive. The class donated items like cat and dog food, toys, carriers, treats, beds, etc. In addition, Arsenault organized a schedule where multiple classes and instructors helped feed the 28 cats on Lynn's campus. Citizenship Project judges awarded Arsenault and his class with "Best Civic Engagement."
Joe Melita, assistant professor in the College of Education, and class used quality education as their sustainability goal and won "Best Overall." The students' project championed quality education through the creation of sensory boards. Recognizing the diverse needs of students, they emphasized inclusivity and equitable access to resources. "Research shows that some of the benefits of a sensory board include helping students with special needs self-regulate their emotions, relieving moments of stress, improving concentration and stimulating students' senses," said Melita.
Other classes also had impactful contributions, focusing on topics like mental health advocacy, beach cleanup and preservation, donations to local food shelters and more. Their innovative approach and commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) align with Lynn's core values and support a better and more sustainable future for all.
Total service hours for Citizenship Project 2024 amounted to 8,220.
Donor spotlight: Sustainability endowment
A few years ago, an anonymous donor created a new endowment with a gift of $50,000. The purpose of the endowment is to fund student programs focused on sustainability. This year's payout from the Sustainability Endowment was $7,000, which was used to purchase plants for the butterfly garden and give awards to students who exhibited a high commitment to sustainability efforts.
