Volunteerism
Morningside believes that experience matters, and some of the best experience comes from working in the community you live in. The Siouxland area works tirelessly to support our schools, so students often find it rewarding to volunteer and give back to them. Civic engagement is important to Morningside students, and this is seen through our willingness to reach out to our community.
VOLUNTEERING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Options for volunteerism and civic engagement can be found through a variety of clubs and organizations on campus. The Colonel Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement is a nonpartisan organization that lets you delve into politics and social issues. Our chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa puts together Morningside’s annual Into the Streets campaign where students come together for a single day in order to participate in volunteerism around the area. Campus Ministries and other organizations also offer a wide variety of service projects. Whatever your interest, there are many opportunities to impact the world for the better at Morningside.
Into The Streets
Into the Streets shows our willingness to volunteer in the most profound way. Nearly 900 students volunteer through student organizations, athletics teams, classes, and internship programs work to serve more than 80 nonprofits and organizations throughout Siouxland. Projects include everything from painting and planting to clothes organization and food packing. Become a part of Morningside’s tradition of giving back by taking part in ODK’s annual Into the Streets event in October.
Civic Engagement
The Colonel Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement was founded in the spring of 2015 as a nonpartisan center for activities relating to citizenship and civic awareness. It is a regionally recognized resource that encourages and supports students’ civic and political engagement in the Morningside and Siouxland communities.
Colonel Bud Day Center
The Colonel Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement was founded in the spring of 2015 as a nonpartisan center for activities relating to citizenship and civic awareness. It is a regionally recognized resource that encourages and supports students’ civic and political engagement in the Morningside and Siouxland communities.
The center honors Colonel George E. “Bud” Day, a 1950 graduate of Morningside University. Colonel Day was a Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
HOST YOUR CAMPAIGN OR PUBLIC EVENT AT MORNINGSIDE
The Colonel Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement is honored to regularly host campaigns and public officials for town hall meetings, forums, rallies, and other events. If you are interested in hosting an event at Morningside, please contact Dr. Valerie Hennings by email or at (712) 274-5225. She will serve as your primary contact at Morningside and be able to assist in helping you coordinate your event.
Bud Day Center Goals
With a mission to provide educational resources and experiences to engage citizens in civic and political processes, the center:
- Hosts prominent political candidates and elected officials, including presidential candidates participating in the first in the nation Iowa Caucuses, to provide members of the Morningside and Siouxland communities opportunities to interact directly with their political and community leaders.
- Offers multiple lectures and workshops dedicated to expanding interest and involvement in community issues, including seminars on how the Iowa Caucus works as well as changes in election and voting laws.
- Provides resources to discuss issues relevant to citizens, such as the Morningside Poll, a state-wide survey conducted by the center that focuses on the policy concerns and perspectives of Iowans.
Director Information
Dr. Valerie Hennings, associate professor of political science, has served as the director of the Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement since 2016. Dr. Hennings teaches political science and gender studies courses and serves as co-adviser for the Morningside Civic Union, a campus organization that promotes awareness of political and social issues. Her research focuses on a variety of issues relating to political behavior, gender and politics, and civic engagement.
Dr. Hennings received her bachelor’s degree from Morningside in 2001. She has master’s degrees from George Washington University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.