Nearly 100 The University of Olivet students traveled to Huron County, Mich., this past Saturday, Jan. 30, to participate in the college’s sixth annual Greek life service trip. Sponsored by the Port Austin Historical Society (PAHS), the day-long trip allows pledges and active members of The University of Olivet’s Greek societies to serve others; a major tenet of the educational experience Olivet and its Greek life system provides.
While in Huron County, students participated in projects for various public and non-profit organizations throughout the area. Work included painting, cleaning, visiting with local senior citizens, assisting at a local thrift store, and other activities.
The University of Olivet President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., joined the students in service. “I am so proud of these students who every year choose to dedicate a full day of their pledge period to serving others,” Corey said. “They are a true representation of what it means to be socially responsible.”
The trip was led by Mike Fales, director of service learning and assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies and religion, and Carrie Jacob, community service coordinator. Mary Barnes, PAHS chairperson, helped organize the students’ volunteer efforts.
According to Fales, The University of Olivet students made the first of five trips to help build the PAHS museum in 2007. The museum has now been open for three years and regularly offers internships to The University of Olivet students. The college has been actively serving the Huron Country area every year since that initial trip.
For more information about this service trip, or to learn more about other service learning opportunities at The University of Olivet, contact Fales at mfales@uolivet.edu or Jacob at cjacob@uolivet.edu. For more information about Greek life at The University of Olivet, clic here.