Student named best in state by the Missouri Campus Compact
By: Kurt Oberreither
– News Editor –
Over the course of the spring 2011 semester, STLCC-Meramec student Tim Potthoff completed more than 180 hours of community service in Passport to Success and was named best in state by the Missouri Campus Compact.
Passport to Success provides a service learning opportunity for students to get involved in their community. To receive a certificate, volunteers must complete a minimum of 45 hours. Potthoff earned 182.
“I didn’t think about trying to win something when I was doing it,” Potthoff said, “I was just kind of enjoying things.”
Students document their service in a mock-up passport booklet and hours are approved by faculty.
“The work has to be done in one semester so it really does require going over and above,” Donna Halsband, Meramec service learning coordinator, said.
Potthoff went to a private high school where he participated in community service projects.
“I hadn’t done some of that stuff in a while, and it’s kind of like that’s where my roots are,” Potthoff said. “And it feels really good.”
Potthoff participated in numerous service activities during the semester from painting pots for children to the Don Robinson clean up. However, he said the service learning trip to New Orleans during spring break was his favorite. When he heard about it he signed up right away.
“When you get into situations like that through this, it makes your life richer,” Potthoff said.
Potthoff accumulated 144 hours in New Orleans by rehabilitating buildings. “So Tim—a lot of his [hours] were spent going to New Orleans, and he was great,” Halsband said. Potthoff said it was “really neat” to see an inner-city bar converted to a boys’ home where kids can play music.
Halsband said she first got to know Potthoff and recognize his determination in New Orleans. “He’s older; he’s been around the block a few times,” Halsband said.
At the end of the semester, completed passport booklets were submitted to the Missouri Campus Compact, an organization of college and university presidents that aims to strengthen civic engagement. Participants are recognized at one of three levels: Community Contributor (45 hours), Community Changer (70 hours), Community Catalyst (100 hours). Potthoff netted 182 hours.
Potthoff said one thing that set him apart was he turned in his passport with hours and signatures. He said some students had qualifying amounts of hours but never submitted it.
Unlike other service learning opportunities, Passport to Success is a non-credit program outside the classroom, but service hours can make a resume more competent. Students are recognized on the Missouri Campus Compact website. Also, those who complete it receive a letter of recognition as does the campus president. Furthermore, two are left to be sent to whomever the recipient chooses.
Potthoff said he plans on staying involved in the program in the coming semesters, as well as attending the trip to New Orleans. “It’s real life experience,” Potthoff said.
On August 16, service learning will hold a ceremony where Potthoff along with other participants will be formally recognized.
Furthermore, Potthoff is a member of the Student Governance Council and Phi Theta Kappa.
Potthoff said he has ideas and plans for projects in future semesters. Halsband said he is full of ideas and she’s excited to see what he can do.
“He’s got the determination and the knowledge base to pull it off,” Halsband said.
