Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
The St. John’s University community will gather to serve neighboring communities throughout New York City in celebration of the 23rd annual University Service Day, scheduled for Saturday, September 21.
University Service Day is held annually on the Saturday closest to the September 27th Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul, whose dedication to service continues to inspire efforts toward social justice and poverty reduction. This event is part of St. John’s Founder’s Week, which includes a series of programs dedicated to deepening knowledge and understanding of the University’s Vincentian heritage.
“University Service Day perfectly underscores the event’s inspiring message of, ‘What a difference a day makes!’” said Alexia Dolamakian ’19TCB, Assistant Director of Social Justice at The Institute for Vincentian Impact. She leads the organization of Service Day, aiming to serve communities locally, nationally, and globally.
St. John’s draws inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), founder of the Congregation of the Mission. His belief that one finds God and oneself through service guides the university community in using their education to help build a better world.
Students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni are encouraged to register for service opportunities in advance.
In previous years, volunteers have visited nursing home residents, spent time with children in the community, served meals at soup kitchens, cleaned parks, painted rooms in schools and community centers, and participated in various other service projects.
This year’s service opportunities will be offered through more than a dozen organizations and sites including Juniper Valley Park, Kissena Synergy Park Clean Up, League of Yes, Midnight Run, St. Vincent de Paul – Friends of the Poor 5K Walk/Run, and the Sustainability Garden at St. John’s University.
Volunteer activities will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Participants are invited to check-in at 8 a.m. at St. Thomas More Plaza on St. John’s campus in Queens where they will sign in, receive a T-shirt, meet their service site leader and enjoy a light breakfast. A ceremony will follow at 8:30 a.m., along with a rally on the Great Lawn featuring music and inspirational words before participants head out to their chosen service sites.
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