SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University athletes brought some extra warmth to students at Weller Elementary on Friday, March 7. Thirty players from EU’s basketball, football, soccer, track, and volleyball teams spent their lunch hour distributing 200 Evangel sweatshirts to classrooms full of students. The sweatshirts were compliments of EU’s Center for Compassion and printed by Valor Custom, EU’s student-run print shop facilitated through the Business Department and its Future Business Leaders of America organization.
Evangel has a decades-long relationship with Weller, located a few blocks north of its campus. As the most ethnically diverse elementary school in Springfield, Weller is an English Language Learners site. Families from the continents of Asia, Europe, Central America, and Africa have kids who attend pre-K through 5th grade at Weller.
Dr. Rebecca Donaldson, Weller principal, has a goal to help her students develop a vision for their future.
“We are trying to help our students see college as a realistic goal, and this ongoing relationship with Evangel University is a great way to highlight that in a practical way,” she said. “At the same time, we want to show Evangel students how community service through partnering is a good thing for everyone.”
Donaldson earned her master’s degree from Evangel in 2004.
Students of all majors at Evangel are involved in helping Weller students think positively about academics and opportunities.
Education, Social Work, and Business majors and student-athletes alike volunteer on a regular basis, both at the school through the Half-Hour Heroes program, where EU students spend 30-minute recess periods with third through fifth graders, and through the Boys & Girls Clubs in the area.
Evangel’s Center for Compassion also coordinates an annual grocery distribution event for Weller families in coordination with Convoy of Hope as part of the university’s new student orientation week in August.
“Weller Elementary is a champion for children in Springfield,” said Steve McMichael, director of the Center for Compassion. “They do a great job of caring for as well as educating the children enrolled there. Together, Weller and EU share a partnership that enriches both sets of students and makes a better Springfield.”
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.