AUGUST 20, 1998

Katie Ward
Managing Editor

A group of new students joined Greek organizations in an effort to serve the community and instill the value and importance of lending a hand Tuesday afternoon.

In its third year, the New Student Orientation service projects incorporated approximately 75 freshmen and Greek members to assist seven sites with beautification and goodwill.
 
The first group worked with the Habitat for Humanity program.

In an effort to find a well, previous workers on the site dug holes throughout the yard.  The ASU group was responsible for refilling all of the holes.

The second group traveled to Cove Creek High School to pick weeds and beautify the outside of the school.  They also helped clean the inside of the school.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park played host to the third group.  Students cleaned and laid gravel on the entire trail while clipping extraneous bushes.

The supervisor of the group said they were the first volunteer group to complete the entire trail.

Several students selected the Humane Society as their service retreat.  Students spent the afternoon walking dogs and keeping the animals company.

The fifth group visited the Hospitality House on King Street.  Washing windows and cleaning the exterior consumed most of their day.

The Ram’s Rack Thrift Store on King Street welcomed a group to their store.

Half of the students cleaned and organized a basement that will soon be the new processing center for incoming goods.  The remaining students arranged clothing and made a new window display.

Ram’s Rack welcomes volunteers.  For every hour of volunteer work, you can receive a $4 store credit.

The final group traveled to Cove Creek Elementary School.  Time was spent clearing brush, cleaning the exterior and rebuilding and reforming trails around the school.

After returning to campus, the Greek organizations provided students with dinner and a time to reflect and discuss their experiences.

“These projects provide a foundation of service within leadership,” said Barbara Stewart, Interim Director of the Multicultural Center.

This year’s service projects were coordinated by Alana McClelland, the new Greek advisor.  McClelland comes to ASU from Albion College in Michigan and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Student Development.

The New Student Orientation Service Projects began three years ago after the idea was proposed by  Assistant Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership Jim Street.

“This has become a wonderful part of orientation and a good experience for students,” Street said.  “We really appreciate all of the hard work from the Greek organizations.”

Students interested in continuing to serve the university, community and region have limitless opportunities.

Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) provides students with an opportunity to volunteer as much or as little as they like.  They work on a local basis while also traveling throughout the country.

For more information regarding ACT, call 262-2045.

Circle K International also provides students with an opportunity to serve in a club environment.

Circle K is a national organization and is the second largest club in the world.

For additional information on joining Circle K, call the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership at 262-6252.
 

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