FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 16, 2008
BETHANY STUDENT PLANS YEAR OF SERVICE AFTER GRADUATION
LINDSBORG, Kan.—Megan Pound, Lyons, Kan., came to Bethany four years ago planning to pursue a career in medicine.
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| Bethany College senior Megan Pound plans to serve with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) following graduation. |
Pound, a senior biology major, still is considering a career as a physician assistant. But first she will spend a year volunteering with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC).
“In the small environment of Bethany, I realized how lucky I am, and that people out there need my help,” she said. “Bethany also made me more confident. I’m going to do something I’ve wanted to do instead of settling for a job right after graduation.”
In October, Pound will report to a base camp in Sacramento, Calif., for training. She then will work with team members on short-term service projects at locations on the west coast and Gulf coast. Depending upon community needs, her 10 months of service may include constructing low-income housing, tutoring students or responding to natural disasters.
Pound is one of several Bethany College students to pursue a year of service after graduation. Other young alumni recently have served in India, England and Slovakia with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Global Mission program; in New York with Teach For America; and in Omaha, Neb. with Lutheran Service Corps.
At Bethany, Pound has done service work through a variety of activities, including BioChem Club and Tri-Beta, a national biology honor society. She also has served as an orientation leader and Academic Resource Counselor, and participated in cheerleading and Student Activities Board.
According to its Web site, the mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is “to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service.” The program operates in partnership with “nonprofit organizations, state and local agencies, and faith-based and other community organizations.”
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they lead lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.
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