Reading selected for AmeriCorps VISTA position at Miami Hamilton

June 15, 2009

Jessica Reading has been named Community Placement Coordinator at Miami University Hamilton for 2009-10 as part of the Ohio Campus Compact’s (OCC) AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program.

Reading starts her new position in July. She will report to Annie Miller, Director of Civic Engagement, and Jen Moning, Coordinator of Student Activities and Service Learning.

“We are thrilled to have Jessica on staff. Her passion for social change, combined with her unique experiences in the Hamilton and Miami communities, will be invaluable as we continue our efforts in service learning and volunteer programs,“ Moning said.

A 2009 graduate of Miami University, Reading studied in the Business Honors Program of the Farmer School of Business, where she majored in management and organizations. Her resume already is eye-popping:

• One of 11 Miami students to receive the Provost’s Student Academic Achievement Award;

• Miami’s nominee for the USA Today All-College Team;

• One of four Miami students honored with the Charles J. Ping Award presented by the OCC for outstanding leadership and contributions to community service;

• Collaborated with area business leaders to establish La Voz, a Latino Business Association;

• Participated in the Farmer School’s Pacific Rim program where she studied international business in China, Korea, and Japan, and

• Delivered the student commencement address at the Farmer School’s 2009 Divisional Recognition Ceremony.

At Miami Hamilton, Reading will collaborate with local agencies, faculty, and students to arrange curricular and co-curricular service placements to help meet student needs across the service spectrum; co-advise the Rotaract Club of Miami Hamilton; coordinate campus service outings; expand the outreach of MUH-Downtown, and generally assist with campus-wide service and engagement initiatives.

“My experience as a Miami student provided endless opportunities to take advantage of the meaning of education -- both inside and outside the classroom. Learning outside of the classroom allowed me to grow, learn, inspire and impact myself and those around me. Over the past four years, I became not just a student, but a citizen of the community around me,” Reading said.

“When I found out about the AmeriCorps position, I felt immediately called to continuing the relationships I have built. I am extremely excited for the position. I will get to see a lot of new projects develop that I was a part of (implementing), as well as learn much from what has been established on the Hamilton campus,” she said.

“Although I thought I would be returning 'home' to San Diego after graduation, I could not imagine a better 'home' to be a part of for the year.”

Reading will be living for the year in free housing donated by Hamilton resident Bill Wilks, owner of Wilks Insurance Agency and a longtime supporter of historic preservation in Hamilton and its German Village in particular.