LEWISTON – Dr. Zark VanZandt, dean of the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, has announced the appointment of Laurie A. Hearne as service-learning coordinator.

Hearne, an AmeriCorps Volunteer In Service To America with the Maine Campus Compact, serves as a liaison for students, faculty and nonprofit community partners in and around Androscoggin County.

Her duties range from connecting students to service-learning projects, organizing events, supporting literacy and new resident efforts and collaboratively mentoring local youth.

In addition, Hearne will compile survey data and lending academic administrative assistance and support.

Service-learning is academically-based community service, a structured learning experience that combines public service with preparation and reflection, in addition to providing students with an opportunity to learn about the context in which the service is provided, and fosters civic engagement and responsible citizenship.

The Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 950 college and university presidents, representing some 5 million students who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education.

Hearne lives in Lewiston and is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College. After her VISTA year, she intends to pursue a master’s degree in either social work or leadership studies.