The Center for Civic Engagement and Democracy continues in very practical ways the historic mission of Maryville University as a community-focused institution.  As a tangible embodiment of the university's core value of civic engagement, the center involves students, faculty and staff in programs and activities that promote an understanding that all citizens must be actively engaged in their local, national and global communities to both strengthen those communities and assist those less fortunate.  Through service-learning, community partnerships, problem-based learning and action research, the center leads Maryville's efforts to address issues of public concern. In these efforts, the center advocates that the fullest embodiment of a Maryville education is using it for the betterment of others.