Dear Campus Community,
I am delighted to share that Gettysburg College has been selected for the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. The recognition affirms what has long been a hallmark at Gettysburg College: a deep belief that education is most powerful when it is meaningfully connected to community.
Awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, this national designation was delivered to 237 institutions. The classification is a rigorous, evidence-based assessment that reflects how community engagement is embedded in an institution’s mission and culture, and sustained through its leadership, resources, and practices.
Jeff Rioux, Director of the Center for Public Service, poignantly summarized the significance of this honor, saying, “Earning this designation reflects years of thoughtful work by faculty, staff, and students who understand that community engagement isn’t just about service—it’s about building reciprocal partnerships where learning flows in all directions.”
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jeff and Public Policy Prof. Christopher Rick, who co-led our self-study. The recognition marks the second time in less than two years that Gettysburg College has received this prestigious classification, with our community earning the Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Service in 2024.
May we use this honor as further inspiration to redouble our efforts in support of the public good in Gettysburg, throughout Adams County, and across our broader community.
Sincerely,
Bob Iuliano
President