Westminster College senior sociology major Jacquelin Linville received an Undergraduate Research Grant from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Linville is a daughter of Richard and Tena Linville of Oak Forest, Ill., and a graduate of Oak Forest High School.

Linville's project continues a service-learning project developed by 2009 Westminster graduate Veronica Geretz in an "Introduction to Peace Studies" class last fall. Geretz' "Girls' Club Photography Camp," an after-school enrichment program, enabled middle and high school students in New Castle to express themselves through photography and writing. Linville plans on involving the girls in a variety of enrichment activities.

Dr. Sherri Pataki, Westminster assistant professor of psychology, teaches the Peace Studies class and is Linville's faculty adviser.

"Because of Jacqi, the students in New Castle will be able to meet as a 'Girls' Club' with Westminster College students as mentors," Pataki said. "It is very rewarding to see a program that began as a service-learning project for a class continue well beyond the end of the semester."

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education. The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.

Contact Pataki at (724) 946-7361 or e-mail patakisp@westminster.edu for additional information about the project. Visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for additional information about the Drinko Center.