Spring Newsletter I 2008
SU CASA Trip Wins Two National Awards
SU CASA, the Susquehanna University Central America Service Adventure, has received two awards from NASPA,
the pre-eminent national organization for student affairs in higher education.
- The 2008 International Best Practice Award for Student Philanthropy recognizes internationally based
programming sponsored by all higher education institutions.
- The 2008 Bronze Award for Excellence identifies SU CASA as one of the top three programs in the country
in the category of Careers, Academic Support, Service Learning and Community Service.
Since SU CASA’s inception in January 1999, 242 members of the Susquehanna University community have studied and
served with congregations, agencies and residents of impoverished Nicaraguan and Costa Rican communities with which
SU has established long-term relationships. Teams have delivered a combined total of more than $350,000 in materials
and cash gifts, and contributed at least 10,900 hours of volunteer labor.
Taught and lead by University Chaplain Mark Radecke, each trip includes service, academic learning, and reflection.
The academic subject, “Images of Jesus in Central America,” is linked through service with Jesus' self-description in
Matthew 25: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and
you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me.”
Radecke notes that “It is important to remember that the service flows both ways. We are the strangers whom our Central
American friends welcome. They are our partners and collaborators as together we seek to serve Christ by serving those
in need in their countries.”
The award will be presented at NASPA's annual national conference in Boston in March.
The SU CASA Web site can be accessed here.
“Student workers of the Chaplain’s Office receive this banner on behalf of the school as a thank-you gift for the ten
years SU has been serving in Central America”
Read more about what’s going on in Religious Life this semester, including more on the SU CASA trip and details on
how you can take part in this important project:
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