Community Connections 2008 took place on August 25, 2008
Community Connections 2008
Roger Williams University sponsored its 4th annual Community Connections program on Monday, August 25, 2008. Our entering class volunteered at non-profit agencies throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. Student groups were led by student site leaders and faculty/staff site leaders including our very own university president, Dr. Roy J. Nirschel.
The response to the program was extremely positive, both internally and externally. Here are a few sound bytes from our community partners:
Gayle Lawrence, Tiverton Open Space Commission
Sakonnet Times, September 11, 2008
"... RWU freshman students donned gloves and grabbed rakes, shovels, and loppers to clear brush, spread loam, and remove invasive plants and weeds from trailheads, paths, and an historic garden and cemetery."
" This work sponsored by the Community Connections Program of RWU demonstrates teh strong commitment the university has to getting its students involved in service projects in their local communities."
"They made a large contibuution to Tiverton by giving a few hours of their time. We are grateful for their effort and enthusiasm and we applaud [RWU] for this excellent program"
Catherine Corey, Audubon Society of RI
from a letter to President Roy Nirschel
"...representatives of your university did an outstanding job and were willing, eager and enthusiastic volunteers. Both teams worked on some much needed refuge beautification projects, and we can take pride in the appearance of our 28-acre refuge, because of volunteers, like your students..."
" We have enjoyed a long partnership with [RWU], and are imporessed with how your service learning program continues to evolve and respond to the ever changing needs of the Bristol Community."
Peggy Deston, Little Theatre of Fall River, Inc
A Thank you note
Dear Molly, Tabitha, Allison, Ashley, Nicole, Brittany, Margaux, Danielle, Meghan and Gabriel,
On behalf of everyone at the Little Theatre of Fall River, a very sincere thank you for spending your day of Community Service with us at The Firebarn! I enjoyed meeting each and every one of you and especially appreciated your enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in and get the job done. Every time I look at our beautiful RED exterior doors and the spruced up interior of our theater, I will think of all of you. I want you to know that you have made a difference with this one day of service and I encourage you to search for more opportunities as each of you can make a difference in this world. Thanks again.
The Community Connections mission:
The mission of this program is to continue the orientation process for new students by providing a common service experience that actualizes commitment to service, a core value of the University while meeting the real needs of organizations and individuals in the local community.
This program is jointly administered by the Division of Student Affairs and the Feinstein Center for Service learning and Community Engagement.
If you would like more information about the Community Connections '08 program please contact the Service Learning Program at 401-254-3787 or email us at service@rwu.edu.
Updated 08/20/08