In the latest NCFR member news...

Raeann R. Hamon, Ph.D., CFLE, was presented with the inaugural Excellence in Service-Learning Faculty Award at Messiah College, which recognizes a faculty member who has contributed to service-learning both on campus and in the larger community. Dr. Hamon is a distinguished professor of Family Science and gerontology and chair of the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Messiah College.

According to Messiah College, the recipient of this award must demonstrate initiative in designing a reciprocal service-learning course with a community partner. The course should exemplify good practices in service-learning pedagogy, including contextual course content, meaningful interaction between students and the community partner, reflection exercises that enhance student learning, and evidence of contribution to the community partner.

Dr. Hamon has included an elder mentor program as part of her Psychology of Aging course for more than 25 years. Students in the class spend at least 10 hours with their elder mentor engaging in a variety of activities. The program encourages students toward a mutual exchange with their mentor, to apply course content to real life, to challenge stereotypes about older adults, to gain appreciation for relationships with an older mentor, and to reflect on ways this experience will modify future values and behaviors.

Student Rachel Jones wrote, “this class was so meaningful to me—my time with my mentor was intentional and full of joy. She taught me that staying active and surrounding myself with loved ones are integral to a happy life.”

Dr. Hamon has also published articles on this project and will be presenting this program on this program at a conference in June of 2019.

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