Students Build Belonging Through Service
Briefly

Students Build Belonging Through Service
"One of the best experiences I could have had is this service opportunity. It allowed me to do something I might already do-or try something new-and make such a big impact in the community. Her volunteer work ranged from collecting soda can tabs for donations at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware to helping clean up a nearby park."
"Nearly 1,000 students participated in the private Catholic university's yearlong effort, which not only helped the surrounding community southwest of Philadelphia but also strengthened student engagement and belonging at a time when many institutions are battling an epidemic of loneliness."
"Service is an important part of our ethos as an institution. The university wanted to mark its anniversary through service rather than a traditional gala or formal celebration."
Neumann University, a private Catholic institution southwest of Philadelphia, organized a yearlong service initiative for its 60th anniversary, mobilizing nearly 1,000 students alongside over 100 alumni and 200 faculty and staff members. The university set an ambitious goal of completing 60,000 volunteer hours collectively. Sophomore Samantha Russell emerged as the top student volunteer with 460 hours, participating in projects ranging from collecting donations for Ronald McDonald House to park cleanups. The community engagement efforts addressed critical needs including food insecurity, youth education, senior care, housing, and environmental stewardship. The initiative culminated in packing 30,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger. University leadership chose service-based commemoration over traditional celebrations, reflecting the institution's core values and addressing widespread concerns about campus loneliness.
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