The University of Olivet is gearing up for its annual spring Service Day Wednesday, March 27. Faculty, staff and students put aside their normal routine to volunteer on campus and in the community as part of Service Day activities.
Service Day has been a tradition of the college for over 20 years, but the belief in the “divine art and science of doing good to others” has been a core value since the College’s founding in 1844. Under the challenge to “Be More and Do Good,” students strive to better themselves through their education not only for personal benefit, but with the goal to enter the world with the power to create positive change.
“Volunteering is a core constitution of The University of Olivet,” said Jacob Richards ’18, community service coordinator. “Built into our Olivet Compact are the words ‘I am responsible for service to The University of Olivet and the larger community.’ The act of volunteering is a life-changing experience for all involved. The University of Olivet’s Service Day is a time to cherish the act of serving others and a time to give back to our humble community.”
Projects will include campus-wide clean-ups, volunteering at a church in Lansing, organizing materials in Burrage Library, working at the Kirkelldel Biological Preserve and much more. The University of Olivet students, employees, athletic teams, Greek societies and student organizations take the charge to plan and lead projects under Jacob’s direction.
These opportunities enrich the campus community and also broaden students’ perspectives by encouraging them to engage in real-world issues. Many students find that once they see the role they played in creating change, giving back becomes something they want to do routinely.
Despite it only being his first year on campus, freshperson Jack Holman already has a deep passion for serving the Olivet community. He notes that performing service is a great way to display his passion for the community as well as build relationships.
“I am most looking forward to spending time with my classmates while making a positive impact on the Olivet community,” Jack said. “Service Day shows students the benefits of supporting our community, and it also shows students how service can positively change them.”
Freshperson Alexis Hanchett echoes Jack’s emphasis on service. She also realizes Service Day is about coming together as a community and connecting with others, not just picking up trash or shoveling snow.
“Even the smallest acts of service can make a world of difference,” Alexis said. “It’s important to show support to this community we are a part of now, even if we may not be from around here. I look forward to seeing everyone getting together and putting effort into making the community a better place on Service Day.”
Opportunities to perform service are available year-round through service trips, both locally and globally, courses dedicated to service learning, collections taken during the holidays, efforts organized by groups on campus and more.
In fact, service learning, with hands-on experiences at the core of each program, is one of the four core guarantees of the The University of Olivet ADVANTAGE, in addition to global learning opportunities that provide diverse and innovative educational experiences abroad; industry-leading internship and research opportunities; and graduation in four years or the fifth year is tuition-free.
Want to lend a hand or have questions? Contact Jacob Richards at jrichards@uolivet.edu or 269.749.7127. Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.