Among the traditions associated with the beginning of a new school year, a Lincoln University initiative provides mutual benefits for students and our community.
The Day of Service, held Thursday, pairs incoming freshmen with service projects at charitable organizations and city agencies.
About 500 students participated this year, the second time the annual event has been held. The Day of Service is part of new student orientation, but all LU students, faculty and staff are invited to participate.
The event was conceived by LU President Kevin Rome as an outreach effort by the school to partner with the local community.
The purpose of the Day of Service is reflected in another initiative announced this spring by Rome. The Blue Tiger CUBS (Community United by Service) program allows LU staff members to devote two hours each week to volunteer at local organizations.
"Outreach from those who work within the university is key to creating and maintaining lasting relationships that are beneficial for all parties involved," Rome said when the program was announced in April.
During Thursday's Day of Service, LU students, faculty and staff volunteered at the American Red Cross; Dreams to Reality; the Jefferson City Fire Department's museum and its training facility; The Salvation Army; Binder Park; McClung Park; Community Park; and the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, which serves area residents through its Columbia headquarters.
Strengthening the link between Lincoln University and the community has been a discussion topic for years.
The initiatives created by LU's administration and embraced by staff, faculty and students are translating those words into action.
The community benefits from the volunteerism and service, and the students gain greater familiarity with the community. And when students graduate and begin their careers, familiarity may attract them to continue employing their skills, talents and service here in Central Missouri.