Lolly Bargerstock Receives CCCU-IFYC Grant

 2 MIN. READ

Anderson University Professor of Social Work, Lolly Bargerstock, has received the Christian Leadership in a Multifaith World grant from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Interfaith Youth Core.

The grant focuses on interfaith engagement as a part of community enhancement, particularly social justice and ending poverty. Bargerstock believes the alignment between social work and the grant purposes is incredibly strong. 

“As social workers, we strive to develop cultural humility, a deep appreciation of diversity, along with curiosity about the experiences, beliefs, and values of others,” she said. “One of the primary objectives of this project will be to further students’ cultural humility, as well as networking and collaborative skills for community practice.”

Initially, Bargerstock intends to use the funds to integrate several components of the Christian Leadership in a Multifaith World curriculum into the course, Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations. The course teaches social work majors skills and strategies for improving the functioning of organizations and communities for the benefit of community members.

Dr. Bargerstock’s grant from the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Interfaith Youth Core represents the intersection of our Christian faith, call to love our neighbors, and our religious commitment to help those less fortunate,” said Dr. Joel Shrock, AU provost. “We are excited to see how she will integrate this material to help our students learn more about how Christians can engage in issues of diversity and poverty.”

Along with integrating curriculum, Bargerstock will be responsible for planning and implementing at least one bridge-building activity between students in the course and another community faith group that is viewed as diverse from AU’s student population.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.