Community engagement is a core value at Capital, deeply embedded in our institutional culture. We actively prioritize collaboration between the University and the larger Bexley and Columbus communities. This collaboration is not just a one-way street. We recognize that by providing our time and service, we gain invaluable experiences, broaden our networks, and acquire new knowledge and resources. What distinguishes community engagement from mere community service is our commitment to reciprocity. At Capital, we believe that community engagement is a mutual exchange where the University and the communities it serves benefit and grow.
Our Change Advocates, a group of dedicated student leaders, often reflect on how their community engagement experiences shape their leadership development. Through ongoing reflections, students have the opportunity to explore the evolving impact of their service and how it informs their future roles as leaders in society. We asked students to reflect on how their understanding of social action had expanded and how community engagement was affecting the broader social issues they care about.
For instance, Brian King, ’26, shared how his participation in the “Saturday of Service” event allowed him to deepen his understanding of social action. By helping distribute food to the community, he saw firsthand how his efforts directly impacted individuals’ lives, demonstrating the vital role community engagement plays in addressing pressing needs.
Jaiden Watts ’25, interdisciplinary studies, a Change Advocate, emphasized the importance of shifting from “serving for” the community to “serving with” the community. She explained that community engagement is most impactful when students work alongside community members, building collaborative relationships that ensure services are provided equitably and meaningfully. This shift transforms community service from a one-sided effort into a shared, participatory experience that benefits everyone involved.
Sarah Deeter ’26, accounting, reflected on the concept of “serving with” the community in a more personal way. She spoke about her experiences at the Fresh Market, where some days there is less work to do, but showing up and being present is still an essential part of service. Sarah highlighted the importance of commitment to the community, even when there are no immediate tasks to complete, as it shows dedication to the cause and fosters a sense of belonging and unity.
In addition to community engagement, Capital is dedicated to encouraging lifelong voting participation among its students. Our campus programs and student organizations focus on promoting voter education, raising awareness about the importance of voting, and celebrating the democratic process. These programs provide students with the resources they need for voter registration and engagement with local political campaigns while maintaining a nonpartisan stance.
Capital University’s commitment to community engagement and voter education has been recognized nationally. We were honored to receive several accolades, including:
- 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting
- Gold Seal Status for participation in the 2022 Midterm Election
- 2022 OAC Votes Highest Voting Rate
- Represented in the Forbes article, “Civic Nation BrandVoice: ALL IN’s 2024 Most Engaged Campuses Give Advice On Nonpartisan Democratic Engagement”
Through these efforts, Capital continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering an engaged, informed, and socially responsible student body.