Echo staff report
President Jeffery Boyd officially affirmed the Charter for Compassion, making Rochester Community and Technical College a full educational partner in the Charter movement.†
Unveiled in 2009, The Charter for Compassion is an international network of organizations that believes ìcompassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate suffering of our fellow creaturesî and that we must treat ìeverybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity, and respect.î
RCTC is the only college or university in the Midwest to join the Charter for Compassion, and one of only a few other community colleges nationwide. Other notable higher education institutions to partner with the Charter include Stanford University, the College of William and Mary, Georgia State University, and Western Connecticut State University.†
This Compassion initiative has developed over many years at RCTC and has truly been a college-wide effort. RCTC staff have held food and school supply drives, sponsored a book club, and participated in grant projects. Faculty have developed a compassion studies course, incorporated related curriculum into classes and workshops, written grants, and engaged frequently with off-campus communities. Administration has supported compassion efforts with time, thoughtful advice, and leadership, and students have organized and attended many compassion-focused events.†
As a full educational partner, RCTC will collaborate with other Charter organizations to develop compassion-rich environments and opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. RCTC also aims to continue its strong partnerships with Compassion Rochester other local and regional organizations to support compassion-centered education and action.
For more information on RCTCís Charter for Compassion, email RCTC faculty at steve.juenemann@rctc.edu or mike.mutschelknaus@rctc.edu.