<\/p>\n
Demonstrating that hiring alumni of national service programs is a high priority for the institution, Marymount University has been accepted as a partner of the\u00a0Employers of National Service network<\/a>. An initiative that connects\u00a0AmeriCorps<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Peace Corps<\/a>\u00a0alumni with employers from every sector to create recruitment, hiring and advancement opportunities, the network gives Marymount access to a pool of dedicated, highly qualified and mission-oriented talent who can translate their skills to the workplace.<\/p>\n \u201cThe faculty and staff members of Marymount consistently strive for excellence in carrying out the\u00a0University\u2019s vision and mission<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 so when looking for new members to join our team, we seek out individuals who personify qualities such as integrity, professionalism and respect,\u201d explained Barry Harte, Vice President for Finance and Operations & Treasurer at Marymount University. \u201cWith the diverse experiences and skills that alumni of AmeriCorps and Peace Corps bring to the table, we are confident that qualified applicants from those programs will fit in very well here at Marymount.\u201d<\/p>\n After joining the Employers of National Service network, all job postings on the\u00a0University\u2019s careers page on Workday<\/a>\u00a0now illustrate how Marymount values service in the community: \u201call active members of the military, veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and national service alumni are encouraged to apply.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to be involved with an initiative that is closely connected to one of our core values \u2013 service to others,\u201d said Kendra Gillespie, Chief Human Resources Officer at Marymount University. \u201cWe\u2019re always looking for faculty and staff who are passionate about providing excellent service to ensure a high-quality student experience and collaborative working environment, and alumni of these respected national service programs have already proven themselves as model leaders and excellent candidates for future positions at Marymount.\u201d<\/p>\n The University has numerous alumni of national service programs already on its faculty and staff. Dr. Jennifer Gray, Associate Professor of\u00a0Education<\/a>, served for two years at the Chicago-based\u00a0Amate House<\/a>\u00a0through AmeriCorps. There, she filled the roles of first and second-grade teacher, ESL support teacher, adult language and literacy program coordinator\/instructor and liturgical music minister at\u00a0St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish and School<\/a>\u00a0in the city\u2019s Little Village neighborhood.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is difficult to describe the enormous impact that my experiences as an AmeriCorps volunteer have had on my career trajectory and my life in general,\u201d Dr. Gray said. \u201cI fell in love with teaching and became committed to a life of serving others as an educator. I was also able to witness firsthand the unique challenges that English Language Learners of all ages face when learning to read, write and speak English, as well as the struggles that many teachers face when trying to provide the support that ELL students need to become successful readers, writers and speakers of English.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThese experiences led me to pursue research related to literacy instruction for ELL students and support for the teachers of ELL students.\u201d<\/p>\n