News

CHENEY, Wash. - Eastern Washington University student Skyler Oberst has been named one the top 50 semifinalists for the Students In Service Awards. The Awards program, supported by Washington Campus Compact, recognizes outstanding college students whose volunteer service positively impacts society and inspires others to serve.

Oberst, a senior anthropology major from Vancouver, Wash., was selected for his work promoting religious tolerance. He founded the Compassionate Interfaith Society, a tolerance organization which includes more than 15 religious groups working together to organize community service projects, speakers and events on campus to inspire peace and understanding.

Oberst has encouraged students to work with the university to promote religious tolerance. He also helped organize a campus demonstration against the controversial Westboro Baptist Church last fall in Cheney. "I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of people with very diverse beliefs, and put aside our differences to work for a common good," said Oberst. "The campus and the surrounding community have been transformed into places of hope and compassion, where diversity is valued, and our common humanity is recognized."

Oberst's friends and supporters are invited to show support by voting for him at www.serviceawards.org through March 3. At that time, a top 12 finalist list will be named, and a national selection committee combined with a "fan vote" will identify three winners, schools and nonprofits to receive scholarships and grants totaling $25,000.

Established in 1992, Washington Campus Compact is an affiliate state office of Campus Compact, a national organization comprised of more than 1,100 higher education institutions committed to the civic and public purposes of higher education.

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