LOS ANGELES, CA

For its distinguished record of service to greater Los Angeles, Mount St. Mary’s University has been recognized by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its distinguished record of service to greater Los Angeles. The Mount was one of 119 U.S. colleges and universities selected for the foundation’s 2008 Community Engagement Classification in December. The Mount was designated exceptional in “Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships.” This category includes outstanding work by the College in the classroom to engage students in projects that enhance the community, as well as programs outside the classroom that place Mount students in mentoring and other service roles in the community.

“We are extremely pleased that Mount St. Mary’s University has received this distinction,” said Mount President Jacqueline Powers Doud. “The Mount infuses community engagement into all it does, from classroom instruction to volunteer projects in schools and organizations throughout Los Angeles.” Colleges and universities with an institutional focus on community engagement were invited to apply for the classification, previously developed and offered in 2006 as part of an extensive restructuring of The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. “We hope that by acknowledging the commitment and accomplishment of these engaged institutions, the foundation will encourage other colleges and universities to move in this direction. Doing so brings benefits to the community and to the institution,” said Carnegie President Anthony S. Bryk. At the Mount, students serve the local community through various activities and partnerships. Some of these include tutoring K-12 students, taking service-learning courses, and hosting fundraisers for local charities. The College’s Student Ambassador program also provides college preparatory support and mentorship to more than 7,000 at-risk youth in greater Los Angeles annually.

About Mount St. Mary’s University Graduate Programs

The Graduate Division of Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles offers advanced degree programs in Business, Education, Psychology, Religious Studies, Humanities, Nursing, and Physical Therapy.  We welcome women and men of all ages to join our learning community for evening and weekend programs at our beautiful, historic Doheny campus just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Why choose Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles for grad school?  Founded in 1925, the Mount has been offering graduate degrees in LA since 1932.  The founders of Mount St. Mary’s, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, have left a legacy of hospitality as their gift to all of us, and now we are here for you.  Our mission is to foster academic excellence and prepare men and women for the challenge and the joys of leadership and service to society. For more information visit www.msmu.la.edu.