MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, Mass. – October 5, 2015 – Tufts University will be honored today with the 2015 Higher Education Civic Engagement Award from the Washington Center and the New York Life Foundation.
Tufts was one of only five colleges and universities chosen this year from nearly 100 nominations. Recipients were selected based on their leadership and innovation in civic engagement. The award was presented to Tufts University President Anthony P. Monaco and to Alan D. Solomont, Dean of Tufts’ Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, during the Washington Center’s annual awards luncheon in Washington, D.C. at the National Press Club.
“Civic engagement has been a signature value of Tufts University since its founding, and we believe, now more than ever, that higher education has a responsibility to educate active citizens,” said Monaco. “We thank the Washington Center and the New York Life Foundation for recognizing our ongoing commitment to this ideal.”
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, in partnership with the New York Life Foundation, established this award in 2009 to celebrate higher education institutions that are reaching beyond their own campuses to achieve sustainable civic impact. The award aims to highlight, in particular, innovation and leadership in forging partnerships beyond the campus to define and address issues of public concern, whether at the local, regional or international level. The center is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit.
“We believe that communities, nations and the world are more just, equitable and prosperous when people engage actively in civic life,” said Tisch College Dean Alan Solomont. “At Tisch College, we work to increase the impact of civic engagement throughout Tufts and beyond, and we are proud to be honored for this vital work.”
“Tufts University is a shining example of how universities are taking the traditional curriculum model and incorporating initiatives that teach self-awareness, community engagement and life-long leadership skills,” said Mike Smith, president of The Washington Center. “Tufts University is a true leader within the academic community and we extend our congratulations on this honor.”
The other academic institutions receiving the 2015 Civic Engagement Award are Dominican University of California, John Carroll University, Rutgers University–Camden, and Weber State University.
About Tufts University
Tufts University, located on three Massachusetts campuses in Boston, Medford/Somerville, and Grafton, and in Talloires, France, is recognized among the premier research universities in the United States. Tufts enjoys a global reputation for academic excellence and for the preparation of its students as leaders in a wide range of professions. A growing number of innovative teaching and research initiatives span all Tufts campuses, and collaboration among faculty and students in the undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across the university’s schools is widely encouraged. Learn more at tufts.edu.
About Tisch College
The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service is a national leader in civic education, whose model and research are setting the standard for higher education’s role in civic engagement. Serving every student at Tufts University, Tisch College prepares young people to be lifelong active citizens and creates an enduring culture of active citizenship. Learn more at activecitizen.tufts.edu.
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