MUNCIE, Ind. -- More Ball State University students soon will care for the elderly and disabled, serve the homeless and tutor elementary students in the Muncie community through a grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Thirteen faculty members received Partnerships for Successful Learning grants to integrate service learning into courses offered during the 1998-99 academic year. The Lilly Endowment provided funds for up to 15 stipends of $750 each. Stipends were awarded on a campus-wide competitive basis.

Peter Young, associate director of Ball State’s Office of Leadership and Service Programs, defined service learning as course-based, for-credit service experience with community agencies. Students return to the classroom to reflect on their experience through papers or creative projects.

"Service learning helps link students to the university and strengthens their commitment to the community," Young said. It helps students gain a better grasp of course material and achieve their learning objectives."

More than 800 Ball State students current engage in some form of weekly service experience through Student Voluntary Services (SVS). During the 1997-98 academic year, 2,500 students participated in SVS.

Faculty members receiving grants, their courses and student service activities include:

• Reza Ahmadi, Intermediate Interior Design, voluntary interior design services for several non-profit agencies, primarily with the elderly and disabled.

• Lois Altman, Quantity Food Production, preparing and serving a meal at the Muncie Mission in addition to volunteer work in food service at the homeless shelter.

• Jayne Beilke, Introduction to Multicultural Education, students paired with Renaissance Kids enrichment program participants at the Muncie Boys and Girls Club.

• Margo Byerly, Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School, assisting educational programs at the Muncie Children’s Museum, Minnetrista Cultural Center and other sites.

• Clare Chatot, Honors Biology: Issues in Human Reproduction and Fertility, experiences in reproductive issues with Planned Parenthood, Riley Children’s Hospital and other agencies.

• Jane Cook, Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School, diagnosing levels of understanding of mathematical concepts in Motivate Our Minds participants at the Buley Community Center.

• Arlene Ignico, Developmental Activities, planning, implementing and assisting activities session in Ball State’s Fit Kids program for upper elementary school children.

• William Magrath, Classical Myth and Theory, placing small groups in story-telling settings (libraries, pre-schools, nursing homes) and constructing web pages for storytelling and feedback.

• Richard J. Meyer, Broadcast Promotion, class will function as advertising agency to develop promotional campaign for the Muncie YMCA.

• Shirley Serini, Public Relations Techniques, students will develop communication planning model and media kit for client not-for-profit organization.

• Laura Leigh Shue, Issues in Communication Consultation, preparing proposal and contract for consultation to prepare a communication audit of a not-for-profit organization.

• Sheryl Swingley, Philanthropy: Principles of Fund Raising, telemarketing calls to Ball State alumni and fund raising work for the United Way, Ball Memorial Hospital, WIPB-TV and others.

• Nina Yssel, Introduction to Mild Disabilities, work with agencies serving children and adults with disabilities including Hillcroft Services and Vocational Rehabilitation.