More than 6,000 Ohio University students participate in volunteer activities each year. They plant
gardens, organize food drives, clean up along highways, promote literacy and perform many other
services on campus and in the community.
As part of National Volunteer Week, the university's Center for Community Service is sponsoring
volunteer opportunities every day this week and honoring individuals who regularly donate their time to
various projects. Each day this week, we are profiling students whose community service efforts have
earned them recognition. For more information about Center for Community Service activities this week,
go to www.ohiou.edu/news/99-00/254.html
Student Finds Another World Outside Athens
Senior Elizabeth Hesselman knows firsthand about the rich culture and
history of Athens County. That's because she's ventured outside the city
and spent time exploring southeastern Ohio.
"Many students never get past Court Street and don't know that there's a
lot out there to appreciate," she says.
Hesselman, a biology major from Warren, is president of AppalAction, a
student organization dedicated to educating the campus about Appalachian
culture. Every fall, the 12-member group sponsors Appalachian Cultural
Awareness Week during which regional history and culture are highlighted
through storytelling, singing and lectures.
"There are so many stereotypes about Appalachia, and we want students to
have a better understanding of the culture," she says.
Hesselman and other AppalAction members are active in volunteer projects
in rural areas, participating in clothing drives and assisting the disabled
and elderly with everything from yard work to cleaning.
"The people are so kind, and I think it's neat that so many families have
lived here all their lives," she says.
AppalAction is sponsoring a concert the evening of April 20 at Casa
Cantina to benefit the Appalachian People's Action Coalition, a program
that helps families purchase homes.
"It's a lot of fun, and it's rewarding," Hesselman says of AppalAction.
"And because I'm with my friends, it doesn't seem like work."
