“Service” is one of Marietta College’s Core Values. The McDonough Center seeks out partnerships in the local community in order to advance this core value. McDonough Scholars are called to be more than leadership students. They are expected to practice leadership by participating in the life of the community. In the process of serving the community, the students gain valuable leadership skills that will be applicable to any career path they eventually choose.
- Community Service and Service Learning:
- City Hall: Through our contacts with Marietta’s City Council and the Mayor’s Office, McDonough Scholars have a variety of opportunities to be directly involved in city projects. For instance, students recently were involved in the mayor’s downtown revitalization project – Renaissance Marietta. Our students were involved in their own service-learning projects working with the mayor’s vision of a thriving community.
- Chamber of Commerce: Students interested in business and economic development will find this partnership rewarding. Our students recently have been involved in a survey of local businesses and the development of an inventory of business needs in the area.
- Ely Chapman Education Foundation: This partnership provides students with the opportunity to mentor, tutor, and enhance the computer skills of elementary school children. Following the tutoring session, there are activities, such as athletics and arts and crafts, available for the children.
- O’Neil Senior Center: This partnership provides an opportunity for students to help with fundraising, Friday night Bingo, researching grant possibilities, and general activities with Marietta-area senior citizens.
- Marietta YMCA: Students work with the Youth Sports Program at the YMCA, serving as volunteer coaches, referees, and assistants to the Program Director. Students also help with the Parents’ Night Out (once a month), special trips and events.
- Boys and Girls Club: This partnership provides students with an opportunity to mentor and tutor children in after-school programs. Students also develop service-learning projects that enhance the children’s educational experiences in the local community.
- Economic Roundtable (ERT) of the Ohio Valley: The ERT was formed in 1982 by a group of business, civic, and educational leaders. The purpose of this organization is to promote an interest in and to enlighten its members and others in the community on important governmental, economic, and social issues. Each year, several outstanding speakers are brought to the Mid-Ohio Valley to speak to the membership. The speakers also participate in a "Leadership Q&A" event - an informal gathering on campus co-sponsored by the ERT and the McDonough Center. This event allows the speakers to interact with students and discuss current issues.