College and Community United for Benefit of All

To truly recognize the close bond between Earlham College and the community of Richmond, Indiana, one need look no further than the student and faculty volunteer efforts in the area. In 2006, faculty members contributed over 13,000 hours and students gave over 50,000 hours of their time for volunteer work in the Richmond community.

Avis Stewart `74, vice president of community relations, nurtures this vital relationship because of the positive impact it has on Earlham. While the community benefits from the volunteerism of Earlhamites, the College has seen an increase in financial support from area businesses, foundations and citizens.

“The community has supported the arts program and facilities; a local company gave a gift for the football stadium and the Altrusa Club has funded several French-based programs,” Avis said, listing some of the more recent ways community collaboration has aided the College.

 “It’s a partnership.  Our monthly Earlham forums include community members as speakers. The community partnership council, with 12 community members (one-third are alumni) and one student, meets three times a year.  All of this results in bringing Richmond and Earlham College closer together.”

Earlham literally opens its doors to the community in many ways. The Wellness Center boasts 425 memberships from the Richmond community, and most College events are discounted and open to the public. Earlham also shares a common theater space with the community and gives half of its radio station’s airtime to disc jockeys from outside of the College.

A local leader, Earlham is one of the 10 largest employers in Wayne County. College and student spending in the area contribute more than $26 million to the local economy.

“The local community sees Earlham as a positive business partner, because the students and faculty are so involved,” Avis said. “Our partnership with the community helps our students and all of Wayne County.”