Hatcher Global Service Learning Scholarship

The scholarship is a tribute to the work and commitments of Dr. Julie A. Hatcher, retiring executive director of the IUPUI Center for Service and Learning and associate faculty in the Lilly School of Philanthropic Studies. It is her belief that engaged learning, especially abroad and among other cultures, provides a deeper understanding to students of their own purpose and values. 

A foundational experience for Dr. Hatcher was in the 1990s when the Center for Service and Learning was invited to assist the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in developing service learning course modules. During her visit, she learned about an ongoing project from a local faculty member. They were working to create a new system of developing bricks for houses and buildings within the community. The research focused around how community members could be involved in the process and how to make bricks that would last and be sustainable. The project wasn’t just about helping to build something new for the community—it was about how to meet the community’s needs and ensure that the collaboration provided a lasting effect. This experience catalyzed something new for Hatcher in regard to civic-engagement for communities. 

“Civic engagement is work that’s done in and with communities, not to and for communities,” states Julie. “This work ideally contributes to both student learning and change that is valued by the community.”

As an undergraduate student, Hatcher was never afforded the opportunity to study abroad. She knew it was beyond her means and never entertained the idea during her studies. It has been through her scholarship and research that she has experienced communities and cultures across the world. Her vision is to remove the financial barriers for civic-minded scholars who can use their passions and talents to work with others toward lasting change. Please join us in celebrating Julie’s contributions by supporting students in this endeavor.