Through the Project Cities program of Arizona State University (ASU), two Spring 2018 classes enlisted to support the Positively Apache Junction campaign.  The students in HST 485 produced eight “histories of place” focused on Apache Junction topics such as the Apache Trail and the Apache Junction’s Women’s Club. In addition, they digitally surveyed local residents to identify places of value in order the city and why they were of value. Students in this course used digital methods to conduct community-engaged historical research. They produced two sets of results. The first was eight histories of Apache Junction, with findings presented online as blogs. To research these topics, groups of students reviewed literature including local and online documents, visited the site virtually or physically, and informally interviewed community members. These place histories were about: the former location of the SuperstitionHo Hotel (later known as The Grand Hotel); water in Apache Junction; the parks and recreational trails of Apache Junction; the Apache Trail; the lands once occupied by the Hohokam and Salado tribes; the ApacheJunction Women’s Club; and Apache Junction High School. The second set of results was a digital map of Apache Junction places valued by residents or visitors. To achieve these results, they conducted a mapping survey. Through an online and in-person version of the survey, the students received nearly 200 responses and nearly 1,000 values. With this information, they generated a “values map” of the area. Students analyzed the results for findings and to inform their place histories. They also presented recommendations, including 1) Develop cultural and tourism assets related to the sites identified in the mapping survey that could improve the quality of life and positive perception of ApacheJunction; 2) create plaques for places of historical significance, such as where the Superstition Ho Hotel once stood, to commemorate history in Apache Junction; 3) host semi-annual community events near CanyonLake that include water conservation education.

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The Vital Communities Initiative (VCI) was conceived in spring 2016 as part of a new portfolio of programs of the new Center for Community & Civic Engagement (CCCE). The Center is part of Bowling Green State University’s commitment to focus our talents, resources, and passions to help build and sustain vibrant and vital communities in our region.

VCI links existing community based learning courses and projects with issues and needs identified by the partner community.

• Faculty members design their courses around the community identified projects, focusing students’ academic experiences to develop solutions and new ideas to address these real-world projects.
• The partnership for VCI is based on a reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and expertise.
• BGSU and the partner community commit human, intellectual, and practical resources to coordinate and guide the projects, ensuring that appropriate resources (material and financial) are available to make the projects successful and to promote and celebrate the partnership year.
• BGSU faculty members and students from a variety of majors and disciplines bring time, creativity, and expertise to address community defined needs, issues, and dreams.
• Partner communities get new ideas, energy, and insights to support new directions.
• Our region benefits from a community engaged public university committed to working for the public good.
• We all benefit when we grow and nurture sustainable, livable, and vibrant communities in our region and beyond.
• The BGSU Center for Community & Civic Engagement affirms an on-going commitment to engagement with regional communities – the Vital Communities Initiative extends and deepens all of our partnerships.

Academic Year 2016 -17 courses:

ARCH 6210, Graduate Design Studio
ENVS 4020, Senior Capstone Project
POLS 6900, Public Administration Capstone
POLS 6900, Public Administration Capstone
SEES 4100, Geographic Information
ENVS 4200, Environmental Planning
VCT 4670 Visual Communication Technology Synthesis

“BGSU faculty members and students from a variety of majors and disciplines are prepared to bring time, creativity and expertise to address community-defined needs, issues and dreams,” BGSU President Dr. Rodney K. Rogers said in a statement. “This is a great example of how our region benefits from a community-engaged, public university committed to working for the public good.”

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City Partners

2016 | Sandusky, Ohio • Population: 25,000

Contact Info

V Rosser
Director, Center for Community and Civic Engagement
(419) 372-9288
jrosser@bgsu.edu