The current generation of college students has witnessed perhaps some of the worst disasters in recent history. The September 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, the genocide in Darfur and the rising global pandemic of AIDS are the widely publicized examples of the current devastation in our world, though problems of poverty, hunger and homelessness continue to plague countless members of the human race.
Young adults across the world, and in particular, in our country, have decided to do something about such terrible realities and strive to make a difference through various acts of service. This interest of college students to do good in the world, combined with service requirements in high schools, a substantial increase in the number of charities created over the past two decades and the expected retirement of the baby-boomer nonprofit executives, contributes to the demand for undergraduate programs in non-profit management.
In previous years, the only way to earn the credentials to lead a non-profit organization was to get a graduate degree or enroll in a certificate program. However, this is beginning to change, as some colleges, including Arizona State and the University of Minnesota, have implemented programs that offer undergraduate degrees in nonprofit leadership. In addition, the number of colleges that at least offer courses in non-profit leadership are growing, according to the Non- profit Academic Centers Council.
Fordham University offers several courses in social work and sociology, which cover inequalities and poverty throughout the world. Yet, with the increasing popularity of Global Outreach trips and events such as clothing drives, midnight runs and community outreach programs conducted by Campus Ministry, will the Fordham community be interested in courses or even undergraduate degrees in non-profit leadership?
Dr. Norma Fuentes-Mayorga, professor of sociology, who currently teaches a course in immigration and inequality, thinks such courses and programs would certainly be beneficial to Fordham.
2008 Woodie Awards
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