GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (February 6, 2004) - Eric Bridge, the coordinator of Service Learning at Aquinas College for the last eight years, has received the Michigan Campus Compact (MCC) Faculty/Staff Community Service-Learning Award. The award, the highest annual recognition that MCC bestows on faculty and staff in Michigan, was presented during a ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Grand Valley State University as part of MCC's eighth annual "Institute on Service Learning: Inspiring Citizenship through Service Learning."

Bridge, a 1992 Aquinas graduate, was nominated by his peers for outstanding contributions in the area of service learning. The award recognizes Bridge's tireless efforts in engaging thousands of students in community service, service-learning, and civic engagement activities.

Since coming to his Campus Ministry post, Bridge has enhanced the service learning opportunities for students at Aquinas College. Moreover, he sought and received grant funding for his programs, advised several student organizations, and served as an instructor in service learning courses. His efforts emphasizing the value of service and commitment within the Grand Rapids community have been a model to his students and an inspiration to his colleagues.