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Drury University secures $225,000 grant to launch student-centered community engagement initiatives

Drury University > Newsroom > Drury University secures $225,000 grant to launch student-centered community engagement initiatives

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 8, 2025 – Drury University is among a select group of Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) members selected to receive a prestigious Vocation Across the Academy Grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and Lilly Endowment Inc. The four-year grant is enhanced by a generous matching gift from alums John and Crystal Beuerlein ‘75/’75. In all, the grant totals $225,000.

As part of the grant, Drury plans to create and fund three new programs which will help students connect their personal values with career preparation, while also building connections with community partners. Those new programs are:

  • Engage SGF – Students will explore Springfield’s nonprofit landscape through guided visits and collaborative learning experiences, discovering how local organizations address community needs and create opportunities for student involvement;
  • Get Involved workshop – Current student leaders will share their community engagement experiences alongside presentations from Springfield community leaders, providing inspiration and practical guidance for students ready to make a difference; and
  • Creating Partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations – A new one-hour FUSE class will connect students directly with community leaders, offering first-hand insights into organizational missions, challenges, and volunteer opportunities.

Drury will also use the grant to fund current Drury Service Plunge efforts, partially fund the current Reconciliation Conference, and to fund the current Grant Writing Workshop and Community Partnership Grants for two years.

“These grant monies will help Drury University expand our partnerships with community non-profit organizations for all students,” Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Jennifer Joslin said. “Students new to civic engagement will have opportunities to visit and explore local organizations and hear from community leaders in classes and campus presentations. Students will also have an opportunity to compete for small grants for year-long research or community-engaged projects that address critical needs and priorities. Through these experiences, students will reflect on their vocational calling and choices and learn more about making a measurable difference in the Springfield community.”

About NetVUE
A program of the Council of Independent Colleges, NetVUE is a nationwide network of 300 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. NetVUE Program Development Grants are made possible through generous financial support to the Council of Independent Colleges by Lilly Endowment Inc. Learn more at www.cic.edu/networks/netvue.

About CIC
Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. Learn more at www.cic.edu.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. was founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr., for the “promotion and support of religious, educational or charitable purposes.” Throughout its history, the Endowment has sought to nurture the human spirit, intellect and character. For more information visit www.lillyendowment.org.

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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu