A recent campus visit by U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh shined a spotlight on an important dimension of Purdue University: community service by students.

Bayh, D-Ind., is co-sponsor of the Call to Service Act, federal legislation that encourages volunteerism by the American people.

A portion of the bill calls on universities to bolster their involvement with student service learning.

As a University, Purdue already has a strong commitment to this effort, and its students have shown remarkable creativity and commitment in performing all kinds of volunteer services.

These range from simple acts of kindness — such as a group of students who volunteered to shovel snow from sidewalks for families in their neighborhood near campus — to service initiatives that grow out of academic programs.

Recently, Purdue played the key role in creating a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and student engineering programs at eight universities.

This partnership grew out of the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program, which started at Purdue in 1995.

For seven years, Purdue students working through EPICS have provided a shining example of what can be accomplished when young people put their talents and energy to work in communities. This new partnership with Habitat takes EPICS to the next level.

Strategic plans approved by the Board of Trustees last November include blueprints to increase student service learning opportunities.

Moreover, the University is putting money behind the commitment. Purdue has made funds available to provide grants for student service and student learning projects. Grants will be made to individual students, teams or organizations. The grants can be $100 to $500 for individuals and a maximum of $1,500 for teams or organizations. One of the first awards went to the volunteer snow patrol — to buy shovels.

To apply for a grant, contact the Purdue Office of Engagement, 494-9095.

The greatness of this country lies in its people and their willingness to volunteer time and talents to help others, to build stronger communities.

Purdue has helped lead the way in these efforts.

We are very proud of all the Purdue students who have taken leadership roles in community service. The benefits of this will resonate throughout their lives and throughout the lives of the many people they will touch.

Community service is a focal point of our education at Purdue. We believe once students experience it, they find it so rewarding they will continue to serve wherever they go throughout their lives.