Tusculum College has been named to the "2007 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, with Distinction."

Launched in 2006, the President's Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support innovative, effective, and exemplary community service programs.

Tusculum was one of only four Tennessee colleges or universities to earn the "with Distinction" status on the 2007 honor roll, which was announced Feb. 8.

It is the only Northeast Tennessee institution of higher learning to achieve the "with Distinction" designation, the college said in a press release.

In all, 528 schools were listed on the Honor Roll for their community service activities during the 2006-2007 academic year.

The Honor Roll is jointly sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, through its "Learn and Serve America" program, and the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, USA Freedom Corps, Campus Compact, and the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

In congratulating the winners, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said, "Americans rely on our higher education system to prepare students for citizenship and the workforce.

"We look to institutions like these to provide leadership in partnering with local schools to shape the civic, democratic and economic future of our country."

"It is really gratifying to be named to the President's Honor Roll 'with Distinction,'" Joyce Doughty, interim director of the Center for Civic Advancement, observed.

"I think this reflects well on Tusculum's students, faculty and staff because everyone contributes and participates in our service activities. It also shows evidence of Tusculum's mission -- to develop strong citizenship qualities in our students."

Honorees for the various award levels were selected based on a series of factors, including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers service-learning courses.

"There is no question that the universities and colleges who have made an effort to participate and win the Honor Roll award are themselves being rewarded today," said David Ward, president of the American Council on Education.

"Earning this distinction is not easy. But now each of these schools will be able to wear this award like a badge of honor."

The Corporation for National and Community Service describes itself as "a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering."