Submitted photoMCC Phi Theta Kappa members participate and help with Street Strut.

Some people are under the impression that a community college’s mission is restricted to preparing students to matriculate to universities.

Meridian Community College President Dr. Scott Elliott says MCC’s aspirations for its students are much broader.

“We are in the business of developing the future leaders of our community and our state,” Elliott said. “That starts in the classroom, but it doesn’t end there. Leadership involves more than the acquisition of new knowledge. It’s also about developing a culture of community service, and I believe my colleagues at MCC have done an exemplary job of instilling that value among our students.”

To that end, MCC’s students logged about 5,500 hours of community service during the fall semester alone. Their efforts have continued throughout the school year with virtually every campus organization – from athletic teams to student clubs and honor societies – engaged in myriad volunteerism activities.

The MCC Honors College, some 70 students strong, contributed more than 700 hours in the fall term, according to Barbara Jones, co-director of the organization along with Cathy Parker and Deanna Smith. Among others making major contributions have been nearly all 11 Eagle athletic teams, led by the baseball team’s 900-plus hours of service; nursing and health education students, MCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and the Baptist Student Union.

Some of the venues and agencies MCC students have lent a hand to include area K-12 schools, churches, Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, Camp Eagle Ridge in Collinsville, Sammie Davidson Park, Phil Hardin Park, Northeast Park, Habitat for Humanity, Hope Village, local nursing homes, the Temple Theater and South Harbor Shelter.

Students have done everything from cleaning up debris after hazardous weather events, reading to elementary school children, construction work, and setting up for events like the Street Strut for Cancer. Very often those activities involve volunteering time on weekends, such as bell-ringing at Christmastime for the Salvation Army.

During the fall semester, MCC holds an annual “My College Cares” day in which faculty, staff and students engage in volunteerism throughout Lauderdale County. This year, some 1,774 people participated.

“In the Honors College,” Jones said, “our students write essays, citing the benefits of their community service efforts. It’s very uplifting to read their comments.”

Here are some examples:

“Community service is a vital part of society and something everyone should put into practice in their daily lives.”

“Through our various community service activities, we have been able to learn more about the history of our community.”

“I have learned that helping others improves the quality of life for both the people being served and the person doing the serving.”

“Community service helps to build and strengthen the people inside our community. I plan on continuing community service for the rest of my life.”

“No matter how busy I get, there is always time to help someone else in need.”

In regard to community service, Elliott said he often reflects upon a sermon he once heard by evangelist Joyce Meyer.

“She opined that an individual can only achieve true happiness through service to others,” Elliott recalled. “In other words, it can’t always be about you. The Bible teaches us that you build treasures in Heaven by being of service to your fellow man. Quite honestly, I think that’s the most gratifying aspect of working in public education – period. I’ve never known anyone who became a multi-millionaire as a classroom teacher. But I have encountered countless people who have made a huge difference in the lives of others, and those kinds of all-stars are role models not only in the classroom but also through community service. That’s what we’re trying to accomplish at MCC, and I am very proud of the ongoing efforts of our faculty, staff and students. I think it’s a point of pride not only for the college, but for our entire community.”