This spring, Endicott College will launch the Endicott Center for Civic Participation (ECCP), a dynamic new initiative housed within the School of Social Sciences, Communication, & Humanities (SSCH). Similar to the Tadler Center for the Humanities, which has welcomed luminaries and artists such as bestselling author Stephanie Land and MacArthur Fellow Kiese Laymon, the ECCP will work to advance the College’s mission to inspire leadership through transformational learning.
Designed to foster a culture of civic responsibility and active engagement by bridging academic learning with community service, advocacy, and dialogue, the ECCP will equip students, faculty, staff, and community members with the knowledge and tools necessary to address societal challenges, strengthen democratic values, and promote community well-being. SSCH Dean Mark Herlihy will serve as Interim Director.
“The goal of the College’s new Center for Civic Participation is to help students become more informed and engaged citizens, and to create opportunities for them to develop further skills and dispositions that will help them impact society positively,” said Herlihy. “The ECCP will sponsor a range of events designed to help students and members of the broader community better understand challenges confronting society and to learn about ways that ordinary citizens can make a difference and develop into leaders.”
“The Endicott Center for Civic Participation reflects our commitment to preparing students not just for their careers, but for lives of purpose and impact as whole citizens,” said Endicott College President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D. “By fostering collaboration, dialogue, and active engagement, we empower the Endicott community to make a meaningful difference in the world.”
The ECCP will unite a variety of programs and activities under a shared vision, expanding opportunities for collaboration and innovation. A key initiative will be the Endicott College Presidential Speaker Series, which this year will bring actor and mental health advocate Sean Astin to the Cleary Lecture Hall on April 23 at 6 p.m.
Astin, who made his acting debut with the 1980s classic The Goonies, will reunite with childhood co-star Ke Huy Quan for the action thriller Love Hurts, in theaters February 7. Best known for his iconic roles in The Lord of the Rings, Rudy, and Stranger Things, Astin will share insights on mental health and the transformative impact of civic engagement during his conversation with President DiSalvo.
Other ECCP initiatives include:
- Service Learning and Community Service – Hands-on opportunities to make an impact locally and globally.
- Honor Societies – Celebrating academic and leadership excellence.
- Leadership Scholars – Cultivating the next generation of civic-minded leaders.
- Workforce Development Initiatives – Addressing critical needs in fields like cybersecurity and nursing.
- Leadership Training – Building the skills necessary for effective, impactful leadership.
- Military Student Support – Providing our veterans and ROTC students with the resources to succeed.
- Living Learning Communities – Fostering civic engagement through shared experiences.
- Model UN – Preparing students to tackle global challenges through diplomacy and debate.
Additional programming is set to roll out in the fall, broadening the ECCP’s impact and creating new opportunities for meaningful engagement. To further its mission and ensure continued growth, the ECCP will appoint a new director to oversee its initiatives and shape its direction. Through this new launch, Endicott College reinforces its dedication to preparing individuals for lives of civic leadership and lasting social impact.