Caring people.

• Position: High Point University

The values-based education that students receive at HPU leads not only to a life of success, but a life of significance.

James Tasca is one example of how students are inspired to positively impact the world during their time at HPU.

A Newport, R.I. native, Tasca is an avid runner. Last fall, he and a friend competed in a Half Iron Man competition--a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run--in Austin, Texas. The duo didn't do it for themselves. Instead, they gave a greater meaning to the challenge: raising money for childhood cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

Tasca is a cousin of Alex Scott, the inspiration behind Alex's Lemonade Stand. The organization, which has become known nationwide, has raised more than $100 million toward finding a cure for neuroblastoma. That's the disease that took Scott's life when she was just a child. In the end, Tasca and his friend raised $11,000 for the organization, including a $7,000 donation from HPU's Student Government Association.

He didn't stop there. Tasca completed a marathon in New Orleans for Coalition for Hope International (CHI) to benefit Rwandan youth. He's also working with Alpha Phi Omega, HPU's service fraternity, to make Alex's Lemonade Stand the chapter's national philanthropy so that support for the organization continues after he graduates.

Tasca runs, but not for himself. He runs for research, he runs for awareness, and he runs for hope. He is one of the people behind the 100,000 hours of service that HPU students contribute each year.

Creating a caring space

Interior Design students inspire children to learn

Education, service and design collided in a colorful way at HPU's Community Writing Center. The center got a fresh makeover from HPU's interior design majors. Students in a service learning class were challenged to create a functional and inspirational space where local children can improve reading and writing skills. While the program kicked off in fall 2013, its founders tapped into the knowledge of interior design students to revamp the space in a way that promotes learning and builds community connections.

Three students--Ashley Tizard, Caroline Goree and Catherine Ruvolo--created "The Write Way" design. It focuses on cultivating the children's innate intelligence, celebrating their talents and boosting their self-esteem.

To make their concept a reality, the students rolled up their sleeves and dove into painting, cleaning, renovating and bringing in pieces that turned old-fashioned bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and kitchen into a bright learning environment. Thanks to their efforts, the center now has three distinct spaces: the group activity room, the celebration station and the tutor room.

"The design intent was to create a space for local children to flourish creatively and intellectually," says Ruvolo. "Every inch is bursting with energizing colors and inviting tools for children to express themselves.

"Our vision was to create a nurturing and charming environment that captures the core values of character-building, confidence and self-esteem. Getting the opportunity to see the children enjoying the space and using it the way we intended is truly rewarding."

"The Community Writing Center participants were ecstatic to see the new design," says Dr. Cara Kozma, assistant professor of English and co-founder of the Community Writing Center. "The children ran into the house and immediately began climbing on the stage and sitting on all the new furniture. They loved the art room and the space it provides for collaborative drawing and painting. We were impressed by the students' professional quality of work and the way it appeals to the young children the center serves."

The center is open during the school year and staffed by HPU students who offer a small group program that focuses on creative writing and reading activities before breaking into pairs to help the children with their homework. While it serves as an example of HPU's dedication to its surrounding community, the collaboration between the center and interior design students displays the university's unique approach to offering real-life experience to students every day.

"This experience has been very helpful in preparing me for a career in interior design, because it has shown how much research goes into each decision a designer makes," says Goree. "It also showed us how important it is to listen to what the client wants. In the end it is their opinion that matters most."

Stories of Summer

School of Education Hosts Reading Institute for Rising Third-Graders

Visit High Point University's School of Education and you'll find not only undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students, but also students in elementary, middle and high school. HPU education majors learn by doing, and that means working with youth long before they graduate.

One example is the Summer Reading Institute, organized by HPU education master's students and...