ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/16/2014)(readMedia)-- At Augustana College, the Social Action Research class recently tested a communication theory while gathering donations. The class raised $850 and brought in over 500 pounds of food donations to a local food bank called River Bend Food Bank.
Among the students who organized this effort:
Alyssa Copeland, a junior majoring in communication studies from Davenport.
Ashley Jensen-Anderson, a junior majoring in communication studies from Rock Island.
Bailey McChesney, a junior majoring in communication studies from Rock Island.
Kaitlyn Williams, a junior majoring in anthropology, communication studies from Rock Island.
Dr. Sharon Varallo, professor of communication studies, assisted the students with the project and said, "One in five children in the Quad Cities doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. These Augie students did something about it."
Dr. Varallo continued, "The fact is that food pantries have been struggling to keep up with demand in recent years, and the River Bend Food Bank is the central facility that helps to stock food pantries all around the Quad Cities. River Bend Food Bank attempts to provide healthy wholesome food to more than 300 community organizations that support the hungry."
Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 149 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.
