Expo brings together not-for-profits
The University of Indianapolis Community Programs Center hosted the Community Campus Forum at the Wheeler Arts Center on April 20.
The Community Campus Forum is an annual gathering of not-for-profit organizations to recognize the community partners of the University of Indianapolis and engage in new opportunities for UIndy students. Director of Community Programs Marianna Foulkrod said that the forum is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the work being done.
“We try to lift up the people and celebrate the work that is being done by our community partners,” she said. “We also use this as an opportunity to create new partnerships.”
A number of organizations were represented at the event, including Peaceful Grounds, South East Neighborhood School of Excellence Charter School and others.
The CPC Forum also recognized a person with the Outstanding Community Partner Award. This year’s recipient was Jamie Fahrner, outreach coordinator for SENSE Charter School.
“They [SENSE] provide so many opportunities for the students of the University of Indianapolis,” Foulkrod said. “They also engage in programming to expand initiatives that affect the community directly.”
Linda Proffitt of Peaceful Grounds said the forum is a great tool for recognizing the work of other organizations.
“It puts us all [not-for-profits] in the same room,” she said. “It [the forum] allows us to celebrate mutually the wonderful partnerships of students and community and the university’s impact throughout the community.”
Fahrner was also a speaker at the event and she praised UIndy during her speech.
“I am impressed with the staff and faculty [of UIndy],” she said. “They put a lot of focus on students’ service in the community.”
Wheeler Arts Center Outreach Coordinator Matt Williams also gave a presentation. Williams, in his first time at the forum, showed the activities and events that go on at Wheeler. He wanted to be involved in the arts and arts education as much as possible.
“I try to think of ideas to give youth access to the arts, whether it be through movies, music or whatever. It’s how can I get the youth involved in the arts,” he said.
After the two presentations, members of different organizations announced upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Afterwards the organizations were given time to network with one another. Proffitt said that allowed the organizations to gain familiarity with the work of other groups.
“I always meet someone here with ideas that turn into another project,” she said. “There are good people in every direction.”
Foulkrod was pleased to hear the praise UIndy students received for their volunteering and community service. She said she wants the university to be known for the work the students and faculty do in the communities.
“We want to provide the resources to build the character for our students and institution,” she said. “We want UIndy to be known not just for its great academics but also the creative type of education that incorporates service.”
