Welcome to Service Learning
on the
School of Communication Web site
This page is under construction—please check back regularly for updates. (Future content will include: photos of service learning in action, and articles about community partners and class activities.)
Coordinator for Engagement and Academic Outreach:
Dr. Rebecca Dumlao, dumlaor@ecu.edu, 252-328-1512
Click here to access a Web site created by Dr. Dumlao
providing information about service learning.
Service Learning and Engagement News
Seniors learn firsthand how to give back to caregivers
(posted May 13, 2008)
by Jessica Kelly
During the Spring, one of Dr. Rebecca Dumlao's Senior Seminar classes worked together on a service-learning project with Asera Care Hospice staff members to plan an entire volunteer appreciation dinner.
Students gained practical experience, and the staff at Asera Care received the students' creative ideas and experience in event planning, according to Dumlao.
The dinner included gifts, decorations, invitations, and "Thank You" cards from patients—all of which were spearheaded by the students, according to Kristi Fearrington, volunteer coordinator.
The dinner was held at Logan's restaurant on April 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The theme was "Volunteers Are Stars."
Hospice care may be delivered in the person's home or a variety of medical settings. According to the organization's brochure, Hospice "affirms life, emphasizing dignity and comfort while enhancing quality of life for the person coping with a life limiting illness."
The volunteers honored at the dinner give individual attention to patients in a variety of ways, such as reading to patients, or simply providing companionship.
Associate Dean for Medical Education, Dr. David Music, volunteers to give something back to the community. He related that he takes things he has learned and tries to incorporate them into the classroom when teaching about end-of-life care.
Volunteer Captain Bill Stancil said it is "very rewarding." He is referred to as the musician who sings for his patients and plays guitar.
Ray Williams, also a volunteer, said he currently has four patients. He reads for one patient who is blind, but he spends time simply talking with patients too.
For more information on Asera Care Hospice of Winterville, go to: www.aseracare.com.
Dumlao related that this is one sample of a number of service-learning projects implemented by her three classes of 48 Senior Seminar students this semester. Students not helping to prepare for the volunteer dinner prepared a booklet of inspiring quotes, and a PowerPoint of ways to relax and renew for the upcoming Caregiver's Conference to be held next October. Another class worked with the American Red Cross.
