About Us

CDU Talloires is a student led group that is committed to engaging students and the community in interesting and innovative activities that are sustainable, ethical and forward thinking.

CDU Talloires provides students with the opportunity to engage with other students from different backgrounds, the community and the university. Students and the community are able to work collaboratively to learn new skills and help fresh ideas become achievable goals.

A history of CDU and the Talloires network

Talloires Declaration 2005

The Talloires Declaration of 2005 was devised at Tufts University in Talloires, France. The Declaration is a commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility and pledges the establishment of the Talloires Network – a global network of higher education institutions committed to the Declaration.

In May 2006, CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett signed the university to the Talloires Network. Read related news story:

• 22 May 2006 – CDU joins “Talloires Declaration” on the civic roles and social responsibilities of universities

2007

CDU’s first contribution to the Talloires Global Project.

CDU completes Talloires Institutional Self Assessment.

2008

In March 2008, CDU students Kevin Kadirgamar and Maria Kambouris received funding from the Talloires network to attend the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) meeting in New Orleans. Kevin and Maria got their hands dirty with Brad Pitt (clearing a Hurricane Katrina devastated site), were introduced to Talloires students from all over the globe, and participated in discussions on the idea of a student-led arm of the Talloires Network. Read related news stories:

• 3 March 2008 – Students to join global leaders in New Orleans
• 4 April 2008 – Students return from New Orleans committed to action

Upon return, Maria and Kevin hosted a seminar for staff, students and community members about the CGI U meeting and their “Commitment to Action”. This was followed by lunch where the student-led CDU Talloires group was born. Read related news story:

• 23 April 2008 – CDU students work with Brad Pitt for global change

CDU is invited to participate as a case study in the Routledge/Taylor and Francis series, International Studies in Higher Education. The book will focus on civic engagement in higher education and will feature 20 case studies from Talloires institutions around the world.

2009

CDU Talloires members engage in strategic development processes to determine the ongoing structure and operations of the group.

CDU Talloires student Kevin Kardirgamar initiates the first CDU Model UN.

Following the successful testing of soil samples, development of key objectives and extensive community consultations, the Lakeside Drive Community Garden project is approved by CDU and Council.

• 3 April 2009 – Community garden gets the green light

On June 28th 2009, over 70 students, community members and university staff participated in a Visioning Day to share their ideas for the future of the Lakeside Drive Community Garden.

2011

The Lakeside Drive Community Garden (LDCG) is awarded third place in the prestigious 2011 MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship, an international award that recognises exceptional student civic engagement initiatives in universities around the world.

• 24 March 2011 – International Prize Winner Helps to Grow a Brighter Future

CDU student Liam Golding, LDCG Coordinator Anjea Travers and Community Engagement Project Manager, Nicole Manapol attend the 2011 Talloires Network Leaders Conference in Madrid Spain where they received the MacJannet Award on behalf of CDU Talloires. The Conference, “Building the Engaged University” brought together nearly 200 higher education leaders from over 40 countries to discuss the future of the global movement for civic engagement, community outreach, and social responsibility in higher education.

• 5 July 2011 – Team Builds Community Engagement in Spain