Pamela Kirwin Heintz, a notable figure at Syracuse University, is retiring as the associate vice president and founding director of the University’s Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service. The center, which is celebrating 30 years, has been a pivotal part of her professional life, serving as a platform for thousands of undergraduate students to engage in community service and learn practical skills.
She returned to Syracuse University years after beginning her education at Smith College. Her experiences as a mother, real estate agent, community volunteer, and town planning board member brought invaluable insights to her studies. Influenced by Bea González and Bill Coplin, Heintz switched from economics to policy studies and immersed herself in community-oriented work.
Heintz played a crucial role in establishing the Shaw Center under the leadership of Kenneth and Mary Ann Shaw. The Shaws recognized a growing campus interest in community engagement. “My husband and I knew we needed to corral this initiative and desire,” Mary Ann Shaw expressed, acknowledging Heintz as the key force behind the center’s development.
The center grew significantly, supporting 351 student volunteers aiding over 2,000 students in Syracuse city schools. It collaborates with 96 community organizations and 150 campus partners, integrating service learning into 17 courses. The center also manages outreach projects such as literacy initiatives and financial education programs.
“Pam has led the Shaw Center quietly, effectively, and loyal to the values of the University,” noted Chancellor Kent Syverud, describing Heintz as a “treasure” to the institution. He awarded her the Forever Orange Award for her contributions.
The Shaw Center has not only impacted the community but also nurtured its interns and volunteers, such as Maria J. Lopez, who found a sense of purpose and belonging there. “The Shaw Center provided me with an invaluable window into how civic engagement, nonprofit organizations, and public policy intersect,” Lopez stated, crediting Heintz and the center’s staff for their support.
Heintz reminded her students of the importance of their work, emphasizing the incremental impact of their efforts. “We’re just doing it one kid at a time—and that’s all you can do,” she remarked.
As Heintz contemplates the next chapter of her life, she is certain that her future endeavors will continue to focus on community improvement.
The Shaw Center’s legacy and its role in fostering academic community engagement are also highlighted in episode #176 of the ’Cuse Conversations podcast, where former and current volunteers discuss the transformative role the Center played in their development.
