by Susan Griffith

Case Western Reserve University President Edward M. Hundert is extending an invitation to University staff, faculty and students to participate September 17 in the University's first Campus-wide Community Service Day, sponsored by the Office of the President and Provost and the Staff Advisory Council.

Community Service Day kicks off with a box luncheon in Thwing Ballroom, followed by remarks from Hundert. Individuals will leave at approximately 12:30 p.m. for their volunteer sites, selected by the Campus-Wide Community Service Day Committee, and work until approximately 5 p.m. or until the project is completed. Limited bus transportation will be available for those unable to drive.

Erin Walsh, CWRU director of programs and events and a member of the SAC Community Service Committee, spent the past year working with SAC and Susan Shurin, vice president of the corporation, to establish the event. Walsh and Shurin are co-chairing the Community Service Day Committee.

The day's mission is three-fold:

• To provide an opportunity for CWRU to connect with surrounding neighborhoods and agencies by becoming aware of their needs and seeking opportunities for philanthropic projects
• To foster a sense of collaboration among staff, faculty and students as they communicate the University's effort to be a productive partner in our relationship with the city
• To demonstrate the University's goal of "synergy between education . . . and service mission" while "advancing knowledge and improving humanity"

"CWRU is fortunate to have a president and administration who encourage and contribute to this effort, as well as a great number of altruistic staff, faculty and students who already volunteer countless hours through existing programs. This is an opportunity to pool those resources and significantly impact our surrounding community," Walsh said.

The Community Service Day Committee is in the process of finalizing volunteer projects that will involve a range of opportunities and skills.

"There will be something for everyone," said Walsh, adding that several on-campus activities will be available for those who cannot be away for the entire afternoon but still want to donate an hour or two of service. For those unable to leave their desks, the committee will conduct several drives for specific items to benefit area organizations or schools.

Information about community service day opportunities will be posted on a Web site that will be in operation in August. Volunteers will register for activities by giving their first, second and third volunteer choices. During the first week in September, volunteers will be notified where they will be working. Registration is necessary to provide release time from work.

Details are forthcoming.

Return to the online edition of the 7-24-03 Campus News.

Legal Information | © 2003 Case Western Reserve University | Contact the Department