CMSV Celebrates 1,505 hours of Service
11/1/2013
Riverdale, N.Y. – The University of Mount Saint Vincent’s first “Month of Service” has concluded, celebrating 568 students providing 1,505 hours of service. The Month of Service began on Sunday, September 29, 2013, giving the campus-wide community 33 days to take part in the College’s continuous commitment to fulfill service-driven opportunities. Building off of last year’s “Day of Service” initiative, student volunteer efforts during the 2012-2013 academic year rose to 820 students with 9,430 hours or service.
This past October, volunteers collaborated with numerous agencies in the local community, including the Midnight Run, POTS Soup Kitchen, local elementary schools, American Cancer Society, Sisters of Charity of New York, the Yonkers Marathon, the New York City Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, Tour de Bronx, as well as participating in campus projects and student-led initiatives.
“We are creating a culture of community and service campus-wide,” says Kathryn O’Loughlin, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry. “Every service project that we engage in is important because every student is a link in the chain. Remembering that every small act we do, if it is done with love, that it can make a difference.”
In addition to participating in service projects, students had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of service and the mission of the College, which the Office of Campus Ministry takes much pride in.
“We do service every day, month, and year, continuously. We strive to create that mentality that service is not just an activity, but a way of life,” says Matthew Shields, Director for Campus Ministry. “Providing service really speaks to why we do what we do and the mission of the College and of the Sisters of Charity. It is great to keep service going and my hope is that every student who comes into this office can feel that love that we are always nourished with through service.”
The Month of Service will host a recap, A Picture of Service, outlining their service projects on November 7, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. in Campus Ministry and Crossroads. Campus Ministry will also have their monthly Leaders in Service gathering on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. in Benedict’s to assess their service efforts as well as continue ongoing discussions on how to best serve the campus and community.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.