Academics and Research / Magazine Feature

Civic engagement center appoints Van Leeuwen to lead immersion programs

The University of Denver’s Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL) has hired mayoral appointee Jamie Van Leeuwen, project manager of Denver’s Road Home and chair of the Mayor’s Drug Strategy Commission, to coordinate and lead the center’s domestic and international immersion programs.

Immersion programs — on-site programs ranging from a few days to several weeks — offer DU students an intense immersion into a justice issue area. These programs are developed around inclusive pedagogy — creating a holistic learning experience that balances the mind, soul and heart of a student towards a transformative experience.

Both domestic and international immersion programs allow DU students to get involved with the work of community engagement and service learning.

Two programs are planned for spring break 2009 in New York and Denver. An international immersion in eastern Africa is planned for summer 2009. The immersion programs are made possible by a Morgridge Family Foundation gift to the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning.

“Jamie Van Leeuwen is a good friend to CCESL and to DU. He brings a great deal of social capital, thoughtfulness and intelligence to his new position at DU,” says Eric Fretz, CCESL director.

In addition to his position with the University of Denver, Van Leeuwen will remain in his position with the City of Denver.

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