Philosophy
Michelle Obama, Founding Director, UCSC
Michelle Obama was appointed Associate Dean of Students in the University and Director of the University Community Service Center in 1996 and served in that capacity until 2001. The Center’s founding mission: to foster an active culture of service and partnership at the University of Chicago.
University Community Service Center Roots
Since its founding in 1892, service has been part of student life at the University of Chicago. In 1992, the University Community Service Center (UCSC) developed as a student-run organization. In 1996, a Faculty-Student Committee on Volunteerism, chaired by Harold Richman, recommended the formalization of the University Community Service Center, including funding programs and hiring professional staff. Ms. Obama was brought on as the first Associate Dean and Director in 1996.
Growth Under Ms. Obama’s leadership (1996-2001)
- Quadrupled the number of students involved in service from 500 to 2,000.
- Launched Summer Links, an intensive, Chicago-based, 11-week paid internship program for 30 College and graduate students committed to public service, community building and social change. To date, 360 students have completed the Summer Links Program.
- More than doubled the number of Community Service Recognized Student Organizations – organizations whose mission is service.
- Secured greatly expanded space for new UCSC offices.
- Served as a clearinghouse of information on volunteer opportunities with organizations throughout the Chicago area.
UCSC 2001 – 2006
Pamela Bozeman-Evans served Associate Dean and Director from 2001 to 2005. Under her leadership, UCSC added additional staff, moved into new space, and created new programming, including leadership development programs, support for students involved in social justice, and direct service programs for local youth.
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UCSC 2006 – Today
UCSC has been led by Wallace E. Goode, Jr., Associate Dean of Students and Director since 2006. The office employs 4 professional staff and 25 student employees. UCSC fosters the development of civic-minded students by providing substantive community service opportunities through community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect.
UCSC now offers additional programs beyond those offered at its inception: Chicago Studies, a project sponsored by the College; Community Service Leadership Training Corps; Educational Enhancement through Academic Competition, a partnership with Chicago Academic Games League and The South Shore Urban Debate Project; Investment in Diversity; Men in Service; Social Justice & Student Activists Conference; and the Woodlawn Collaborative.
UCSC’s Vision
By 2015, UCSC will be a national leader in facilitating experiential learning opportunities to complement academic coursework. We will continue to attract diverse, articulate, motivated, and civic-minded students to participate in and lead its programs. We will continue to connect students to community service and to develop these students as leaders. UCSC will foster productive, respectful, and sustainable partnerships with community organization and leaders.