“The heart and soul of service–learning.” That’s how scores of colleagues describe Franklyn Salimbene, director of the Bentley Service–Learning Center (BSLC). Under his leadership, the center has notched many achievements and earned recognition by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review and the Carnegie Foundation.
In June, Salimbene ends a decade at the helm of the BSLC. The 25-year Bentley veteran, who holds degrees from Suffolk University Law School and the London School of Economics, among others, will retain his faculty post in the Law, Taxation and Financial Planning Department.
Inspired Involvement
The BSLC was founded in 1990 to promote academic learning through service, to assist community partners in meeting local needs, and to nurture a lifelong commitment to civic engagement among students. The center has since become a national model for integrating meaningful community service into the curriculum.
Student involvement in service–learning has blossomed during Salimbene’s tenure, rising from about 600 in 2001 to 1,650 in 2010. Their work benefits initiatives such as the computer tutoring program America Clicks, the Chesterbrook Afterschool Program, and local Boys & Girls Clubs.
The growth traces a direct line to causes that Salimbene has championed. These include an expanded roster of internships and courses with embedded service–learning projects, which have assisted nonprofits such as Rosie’s Place and City Year, as well as government agencies like the Department of Housing and Economic Development.
“Franklyn’s mantra is ‘students as colleagues,’” says Owen Bacewicz ’09, MBA ’10. “He trusts students and lets them run with their ideas. He empowered me as a leader.”
Salimbene’s drive to boost faculty involvement includes a workshop program that has drawn more than 80 faculty participants. In 2004, he established a grant program for professors who aim to add a service component to their courses; more than $20,000 has been awarded to date.
Bringing service–learning into the classroom requires a “significant commitment,” notes Lynne Durkin, associate dean of arts and sciences. “Franklyn is dedicated to providing faculty with the resources needed to make that happen.”
Taking On the World
Service–learning went global in 2005. Named a visiting professor at the Quinn School of Business, University College Dublin, Salimbene paved the way for a service–learning partnership with the Ireland-based school. Service opportunities for Bentley students studying abroad have since expanded to Italy, England and Australia.
“Franklyn was a prime mover for taking the program overseas,” says Edward Zlotkowski, professor of English and a founder of the BSLC. “He’s incredibly successful at building relationships with international partners.”
Celebrating Success
Salimbene has spearheaded recognition programs for students and faculty. The Service–Learning Certificate Program honors graduating seniors for extraordinary commitment to service. Faculty awards include one that lauds professors for a specific course-related service project; the other goes to individuals whose professional expertise serves the wider community.
“Franklyn is forever recognizing people for their hard work and accomplishments,” says BSLC Associate Director Jeannette MacInnes. “He has created a very professional, welcoming and cohesive atmosphere for students and staff alike. As Franklyn steps down, we are saying goodbye to not only a colleague but a good friend.”
Administrative facets of BSLC leadership notwithstanding, Salimbene is a teacher at heart.
“The most significant part of the job for me has been working with the students,” he says. “Their heads and hearts are in the right place. My relationships with them have been incredibly enriching and enlightening.”