By Colter Hettich, Features Editor
A handful of service opportunities will surface Wednesday and Thursday, less than two weeks after the service-themed Opening Day Ceremonies. More than 20 organizations will fill the Campus Center Sep. 3-4 for this year’s Service Expo.
California Sen. Jack Scott challenged the opening Chapel crowd to live lives of service. His speech set the tone for what the administration hopes will be a year underlined by service.
Nancy Coburn, director of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, was pleased with the senator’s charge. She expects his words will draw slightly more student attention to departments like the VSLC.
“Whenever I hear that kind of thing, I get excited; but on the other hand, it never surprises me because that’s just who we are,” Coburn said. “To call a Christian institution to serve just makes sense to me.”
Representatives of more than 20 local volunteer and service-based organization will be available to students in the Campus Center from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. both days.
Rita Harrell, VSLC administrative coordinator, explained the Expo’s purpose and said, “This is a time when we offer to our local agencies and non-profits an opportunity to come, set up a display and visit with students about service opportunities at their locations.”
Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity, both of which will be present for the Expo, have annually set up displays on the ACU campus for 10 years. Other organizations in attendance include Boys & Girls Club of Abilene, Care Inn of Abilene, Communities in School Day Nursery of Abilene, Herald of Truth, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, Texas Special Olympics and Young Life.
Harrell has noticed a growing trend-more professors are requiring service hours for course completion. The Service Expo benefits not only those students looking for required hours, but also those just looking to help other people.
“We have a lot of students who just want to be involved in serving,” Harrel said. “They’re just looking for a way to give back to the community.
