Ohio University Homecoming Activities Focus on Volunteerism
Contact: Michael Murphy, events assistant for Office of Alumni Relations, (740) 593-0398, or Merle Graybill, director of the Center for Community Service, (740) 593-4028.
Editors: A photo from today's press conference detailing student volunteerism opportunities at Ohio University is available at: www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/HABITAT.JPG
ATHENS, Ohio (October 16, 2000) -- Many Homecoming activities at Ohio University focus on the importance of volunteerism and the role it plays in a well-rounded educational experience.
"Students are increasingly discovering that volunteer activities can play an important role during their college days by helping them feel connected to the community and allowing them to meet individuals of similar interests," said Michael Murphy, events assistant for the Office of Alumni Relations. "Using their skills to help others is a strong part of the legacy of Ohio University alumni, and a tradition we want to continue."
Ohio University students are working to benefit the community as part of Service Fest activities throughout Homecoming Week, through Oct. 22. Members of Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Student Alumni Board and AppalAction are among 150 students who are joining forces with the Center for Community Service to help raise awareness about volunteer activities.
Service Fest volunteer activities include:
Saturday, Oct. 14
- Scrape and paint the house of an elderly individual in Chauncey;
- Help restore Union Hall, a historic theater and community center in Chesterhill;
- Assemble new playground equipment in a park across the street from Union Hall;
- Collect school supply donations outside Kmart in University Mall for Zaleski Elementary in Vinton County;
- Help New to You thrift shop settle into an expanded storefront on Stimson Avenue in Athens.
Wednesday, Oct. 18
- Collect school supply donations at the Howard Hall site, across from Baker Center;
- Help Community Food Initiatives with painting, gardening and landscaping;
- Assist with planting efforts in local forests with Rural Action's Sustainable Forestry initiative.
Additionally, on Friday, Oct. 20, the tastes and wares of area merchants will be on display during the Taste of Court Street event from 4 to 8 p.m. in uptown Athens. It will be followed by a Humanity Coalition Benefit Concert Roulette at 8 p.m. in front of the courthouse. Both events will benefit the Ohio University Habitat for Humanity Coalition.
