Awards
America has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service. Now more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment to helping others and making new connections that bring us closer together as families, as neighbors, as communities, and as a Nation.
In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to make time to help their neighbors, communities, and Nation through service. He called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours or two years to service over the course of their lives. He created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans answer his call to service and help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.
In 2003, President Bush created the Presidents Council on Service and Civic Participation to find ways to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our Nation. Chaired by two-time Superbowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. senators Robert Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, nonprofit, and volunteer service organizations, as well as community volunteers.
The Presidents Council on Service and Civic Participation created the Presidents Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. This type of recognition is also designed to set a standard for every American to encourage a sustained commitment to helping others and a lifelong habit of service. In January 2006, Dr. Catanese announced the creation of a new award specifically designed to reward students, faculty and staff who make a significant contribution to the campus community through service at campus events.
Earning the Award
Awards will be distributed based on the following established categories.
Individual 25 and under
- Bronze Level—100 to 174 hours
- Silver Level—175 to 249 hours
- Gold Level—250 hours or more
- Lifetime of Service—4,000 hours or more of volunteer service (over a lifetime)
Individuals 25 and up
- Bronze Level—100 to 249 hours
- Silver Level—250 to 499 hours
- Gold Level—500 hours or more
- Lifetime of Service—4,000 hours or more of volunteer service (over a lifetime)
Groups/Organizations
- Bronze Level—200 to 499 hours
- Silver Level—500 to 999 hours
- Gold Level—1000 hours or more
- Lifetime of Service—4,000 hours or more of volunteer service (over a lifetime)
Philanthropy Dollars
- Bronze Level—500- 1000 dollars
- Silver Level—1001 to 2000 dollars
- Gold Level—2000 dollars or more
- Lifetime of Service—8,000 dollars or more of volunteer service (over a lifetime)
Additional Volunteer Service Award
The President’s Volunteer Service Award Program