In the fall of 2015, Joan McCluskey joined IUPUC as the Coordinator of Leadership and Community Service. In her new role, she hoped to foster a lifelong sense of service in the students. As coordinator, McCluskey is responsible for overseeing the organization of events such Homecoming Day of Service, The Big Event, and recruiting teams to participate in the 9/11 Day of Service.

McCluskey realized that her objective of developing a student orientation towards service would occur if she provided students with an opportunity to volunteer in the community. Her approach allowed students to not only participate, but also lead the events. Additionally, community involvement is often a requirement of student scholarships.  She individually ensures that each student meets the volunteer criteria as outlined by the mandates of their scholarship.

She opened a food pantry on campus that, if needed, will serve students, staff, and faculty at IUPUC. Students assisted McCluskey in preparing a space for the pantry, the organizational methods of operation, the types of food to maintain, and the course of action involved when sponsoring a food drive.

Additionally, she works with students individually in fulfilling their service requirement for a class or their “Excellence in Leadership Initiative” (ELI) project. ELI is an opportunity for students to explore and expand their personal leadership skills and experiences. Also, the ELI program builds on each level of student involvement, like participation in student organizations, campus employment, leadership courses, and community service projects.

Community Events

•    Homecoming Day of Service: Friday, Feb. 19, 2016

•    The Big Event: Saturday, Apr. 2, 2016

•    9/11 Day of Service: Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016

Megan Mills is a business student at IUPUC who plans to pursue a dual concentration in finance and management with a minor in communications. As a Student Ambassador and a member of the Campus Activities Board, she was hired to assist in the Office of Student Affairs. Under the mentorship of McCluskey, Mills is chairing the 2016 Homecoming Committee and organizing the 9/11 Day of Service. Mills shares, “I am very excited about this new opportunity, and I believe it will allow me to learn effective leadership skills. Joan McCluskey is an amazing mentor and friend who is teaching me to run events correctly at IUPUC. Students have reacted with enthusiasm when I mention the various nonprofit agencies we are assisting on February 19.”

For additional information contact Joan McCluskey at jimccluskey@yahoo.com or call (812) 375-7534.