West Virginia University’s Center for Civic Engagement will honor 161 WVU students for making a difference in the community with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Recipients will be recognized with a pin and certificate signed by President Bush during a ceremony from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Mountainlair Greenbrier Room.

Mary Ellen Mazey , dean of WVU ’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, will give the keynote address.

This is an excellent opportunity to recognize our students for their outstanding community service and to encourage even more students to service,said Kim Colebank, director of the new Center.

Every day, WVU students use their time, talents and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others whether it’s by mentoring a child at The Shack Neighborhood House, preparing a meal at the Ronald McDonald House or bringing food and clothes to those in need,she added.

Students who completed 100 or more hours of community service last year were eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

WVU ’s Center for Civic Engagement (formerly the Office of Service Learning Programs) encourages students to make a sustained commitment to civic participation by coordinating volunteer and service-learning opportunities.

To learn more, go tohttp://www.wvu.edu/~cce/.