WVU, throughout its history as an institution, consistently embraces a long tradition of commitment to community involvement through volunteerism, service-learning, and outreach efforts. Unger II, who was a student at the time, the Center's roots began with a desk, chair, and phone in a small room at E. Later in the mid-90s, the Office of Service-Learning Programs centralized this effort by hosting large grants funded by the Benedum and Kellogg Foundations, and supported WVU students in completing thousands of service hours to external communities. Fall 2006 marked the expansion of the Office of Service-Learning Programs to the Center for Civic Engagement. In 2013, The Center changed its name to the Center for Service and Learning, which reflects its commitment to student learning through diverse service opportunities. In 2021, the Center changed its name again to the Center for Community Engagement. The CCE continues to service all colleges and schools at WVU, student organizations, athletes, alumni, faculty/staff, and more. Although the fundamentals of engagement and service remain, WVU and the CCE are making a joint effort to reinvest in experiential learning and prepare students for future endeavors awaiting graduation. In January 2015, the Center launched WVU's Initiative, which charges WVU to do 1,000,000 hours of service by 2018, inviting the residents of to do an additional 1,000,000 hours, showcasing to the nation and world how central service is to the lives of Mountaineers.
