The Honor Roll’s Presidential Award is the highest federal recognition an institution can receive for its commitment to community, service-learning, and civic engagement. The Presidential Award is presented to four institutions—one for general community service, economic opportunity, education, and interfaith community service. These schools reflect the best practices in the specified category for community service and service-learning, including long-term campus-community partnerships and measurable community outcomes as a result of their service.

The Center for Community Engaged Learning was presented with the 2008 Presidential Award for General Community Service on February 9, 2009. Receiving this prestigious award put Michigan State University among only 18 colleges and universities, and the first in Michigan to win this presidential award since its launch in 2006. This award is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. It is representative of the breadth and quality of an institution’s community service.

President Simon, proud of CCEL's national recognition of its stability and continued growth, commented on this award and how it relates to MSU and its land grant tradition:  “As the pioneer land-grant institution, Michigan State has a long and vibrant tradition of community engagement. This honor represents our continued commitment to expand opportunities for our students to work with community partners across mid-Michigan, the nation, and the world."

The following linked news articles describe the award: