Showing Up for Our Community
Dear Students and Colleagues,
On Friday, I spent the morning volunteering with Chobani’s Let’s Eat Week initiative, joining other community members to pack and load nearly 1,000 packages of nutritious food for local families facing food insecurity. I left feeling grateful to have been part of an effort that will make a real difference for so many families, and proud of the way our community comes together to help one another.
The experience also reminded me of something I see happening all the time at Utica University: our students finding ways to show up for others and make a difference in our community. It’s something that inspires me every day.
Just the day before, for example, our football team hosted the Mohawk Valley Challengers, a local not-for-profit that gives individuals with special needs the opportunity to participate in flag football. And there’s so much more happening this semester.
- Chi Beta Sigma is hosting several events and activities this week to bring awareness about domestic violence and promote healthy relationships.
- Sigma Gamma Rho and Women in a New Direction are organizing a personal care item drive to support survivors of domestic violence who are currently staying in local women’s shelters.
- In three weeks, our women’s hockey team will host a game in support of Morgan’s Message, which works to promote open conversations about mental health.
- Our men’s hockey team will once again hold its annual Teddy Bear Toss with New York Sash, a holiday tradition that collects toys for children in need.
- Our construction management students and other students will volunteer with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds and delivers beds to local children who don’t have one of their own.
These are just a handful of examples. I know there are many more, and I wish I could name them all because each one represents students taking the time to think about others and do something to help.
I’d love to hear what you’re doing. If you’re involved in a service project or another effort to support our community, please send me an e-mail or stop by and tell me about it. If I haven’t mentioned your activity here, please don’t be shy about letting me know. I want to hear about the good things happening across our campus, and I’d love the opportunity to learn more about the ways you’re making a difference.
Thank you for all that you do for others and for the care and generosity you bring to our community. It’s one of the things that makes me especially proud to be part of this community.
Sincerely,
Stephanie R. Nesbitt
President