The power of student experiences in service-learning courses may be one of the many reasons faculty and academic personnel remain committed to its integration throughout the curriculum. This edition of Partnerships provides a glimpse into the various experiences that students have as a result of their participation in service-learning courses. From the article written by students regarding their eye-opening experience of ‘community;’ to an Urban Studies program that reaches beyond its comfortable boundaries and develops transformational partnerships across the university and community that enhances overall student learning. In addition to these articles, there are others in this edition that provide further exploration into the power of service-learning to impact cultural trends; focus on work with homeless veterans, and an article that illuminates the professional experiences of service-learning alumni.

Since 2008, I have had the pleasure of serving as editor of Partnerships. As my time comes to an end I am thankful for the partnerships I have had with reviewers, guest editors and many others that have contributed to the start of this publication. Special thanks is extended to Dr. Norman Clark for his willingness to always patiently assist in bringing the publication to launch and to Dr. Lisa Keyne for her constant commitment to the vision of seeing Partnerships become an international service-learning and civic engagement journal of excellence. Without the constant support of so many I could not have managed these last few years. I am confident that Partnerships will reach a higher readership than anyone could have ever imagined as it moves to a new editor. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this journal’s earliest beginnings.

All the Best,
Departing Editor, Tracy Y. Espy

Dear Reader,
This issue of Partnerships is timely. The world around us changes almost daily as does the landscape of higher education. Twenty-First century educators are faced with the task of preparing students to be proficient in their academic disciplines within the broader context of a global society. Our current issue provides several articles that focus on the significance of international service learning and student involvement. What began as a special issue of Partnerships led by Dr. Cynthia Wood, Appalachian State University, has resulted in a number of fascinating articles that engage the reader on such topics as international service- learning’s impact on host countries, the importance of ethics in cross-cultural service learning relationships and the power of lessons learned through the cultivation of international civic engagement partnerships. Though not specifically related to international service- learning, we have included an article that provides relevant insight into the importance of educating service-learning students about stakeholder involvement and how that involvement ultimately affects both the community and those serving in the community.
A special thank you to all of our authors, book reviewers, editors (Dr. Rebecca Dumlao, East Carolina University) and journal manager (Dr. Norman Clark, Appalachian State University) for their efforts in making this publication happen. Stay tuned for the arrival of our spring 2011 edition where the focus will be on innovative experiences in service learning.
In Partnership,
Tracy Espy, Editor

Dear Journal Readers,
This second issue of Partnerships highlights the celebration of an icon in the service-learning community, Mr. Robert Sigmon. Reading through the two invited articles will provide insight into Sigmon’s passion about the value of partnerships between communities and workplaces as well as a wonderful interview by Dr. Lisa Keyne, highlighting the inspiring life of this gifted service learning pioneer. Additional articles featured in this issue build upon Sigmon’s important work and highlight topics such as social entrepreneurship, a new theoretical model for development of university-community partnerships and the reciprocity among service-learning constituents. Future publications will highlight International Partnerships and Campus-Community Partnerships highlighting student voices.
In Partnership,
Tracy Y. Espy Ph.D.
Editor