Jefferson Hall commemorates Thomas Jefferson. Alderman Library honors former University president Edwin A. Alderman. But a lime green room in Madison House stands as only part of David Norris' legacy to the University.
Norris has served as associate director of Madison House since 1996 and plans to leave the organization at the end of April to work with other non-profit organizations.
Madison House re-painted one of its rooms lime green this summer, a color chosen by Norris, Madison House Executive Director Cindy Fredrick said.
"It is going to be known as the David Norris room," Fredrick said with a laugh.
In his five years at Madison House, Norris has overseen 140 program directors who coordinate 16 programs each year. However, while working at Madison House, Norris focused not only on the act of service but also the meaning behind it.
"I have tried to incorporate more personal reflection and awareness into the programs," he said. "We want to take service deeper and look how it fits into broader social issues."
Norris began the Leaders in Action program two years ago to accomplish this goal. In the new group, program directors meet to discuss the reasons they participate in service projects and how they can better serve the community. Program participants meet five times a semester.
First semester participants are asked to look inward and reflect on why they do service, while the second semester participants focus on why service is needed in the community and how community resources can be best used.
According to Fredrick, Norris has been a driving force in keeping Madison House volunteers motivated.
"We had our first overnight experience in 15 years under his leadership," Fredrick said, remembering a retreat Norris organized.
Students also appreciate Norris' leadership.
"What has amazed me about Dave is that he has an absolutely phenomenal relationship with students," Adaptive Ski Program Director Daniel McIntyre said.
M adison House is now in the process of hiring a new associate director. A search committee consisting of Fredrick, other Madison House staffers and students has narrowed down the field of 87 applicants to 12. The committee will hold final interviews next week.
The committee is looking for someone who has a vision to inspire, is dedicated to student self-governance, is able to motivate young people to take an active role in the community, and wants to bring new ideas to Madison House, Fredrick said.
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