NYLC Celebrates 25th Anniversary

December 15, 2008

The National Youth Leadership Council’s efforts to promote service-learning have impacted thousands of students and adults throughout the world. Since 1983, NYLC has led the service-learning movement, engaging students in meaningful service to their communities.

NYLC warmed up a chilly December evening with a gathering of more than 100 friends and allies at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn. who celebrated the organization’s 25th anniversary. 

In this reflective time of year, NYLC Board chair Jim Scheibel reminded the group that “Changing our lives is really about changing the meaning of our lives, and that is service-learning.”

The diverse crowd included those honored with the 2008 Founders Award. As NYLC CEO and founder Jim Kielsmeier said, “Their achievements, advocacy, and leadership embody NYLC’s mission to bring the life-changing experience of service-learning to young people, their schools and their communities.”

Recipients of the award include:

  • The University of Minnesota — initial home of NYLC.
  • The Otto Bremer Foundation — early and ongoing supporter of NYLC.
  • Christine Kwak — former NYLC staff who continues to support NYLC through her work at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
  • McClellan Hall — founder of National Indian Youth Leadership Project and long-time partner in NYLC’s work.
  • Youa Smith — early service-learning youth leader; ongoing service-learning community leader.
  • Mary Syfax Noble — early school administrator advocate of service-learning; long-term NYLC Board member.
  • Hubert H. “Skip” Humphrey III — early policy advocate for service-learning; former NYLC board member.
  • Rick Jackson — President, Center for Courage and Renewal; early and instrumental NYLC board member.
  • Loretta Chosa — youth activist for service-learning through the Healthy Nations Program.

 

Support NYLC’s mission of creating a more just, sustainable and peaceful world through service-learning by donating to the annual giving campaign.

Get reconnected with the NYLC community by visiting NYLC’s 25th anniversary page.