Since 1901 volunteers have helped clean up the Elizabethtown College campus, and on Saturday, April 18, students, faculty and staff members, alumni and friends of the College continue this tradition as they take part in PRIDE Program Volunteer Day.
The day was created as a way to bring everyone together in support of a common cause—help Facilities Management beautify the campus. Volunteers meet at 8:30 a.m. and are divided into groups to work on projects throughout the morning. Before heading out to work, volunteers participate in an icebreaker session so group members can get to know one another. “This also allows them to speak with their Facilities staff member and learn about what they’ll be doing before they actually head out to start their project,” said Mark Clapper, director of Alumni Relations. The day concludes around 1 p.m. with lunch and a presentation.
The Volunteer Day began after the creation of the PRIDE program. “The idea of PRIDE is that there are many people who love Elizabethtown College who would be interested and willing to do something to benefit it,” said Clapper. The PRIDE program gives alumni the opportunity to stay connected with the institution in ways that would benefit the College–helping with Career Services, Admission and Development. PRIDE Program Volunteer Day brings together alumni, current students, friends and family members to participate on a collective project.
‘Educate for Service’ absolutely comes into play for PRIDE Day…”
Students are highly encouraged to participate, in PRIDE Program Volunteer Day. “‘Educate for Service’ absolutely comes into play for PRIDE Day, and it’s very obvious to see the difference caring students can really make when the campus is newly mulched, free of trash and ready for the warm spring months to come,” said senior accounting major Maddie Magill, noting that service to the campus “can really open up unexpected communication with Facilities, as well as alumni of the College and other current students.”
Blue Jays who attend not only have the opportunity to clean up their campus, but also meet and network with alumni. “ It’s great for students to meet alumni who come from different backgrounds and to speak to them about what they’re interested in doing after College,” said Clapper. The day also gives students the opportunity to see what Facilities staff members do for the campus. “One of the biggest lessons, for me, was how much Facilities really does for this campus,” said Magill. “The members of Facilities are always so polite and eager to show you the ways of managing our campus.”
Those who volunteer will be provided with food and a free t-shirt. Check out how to get involved with PRIDE Program Volunteer Day.