On Saturday, Jan. 31, more than 250 UO students donned their work clothes and came together in a community day of service.

 

The collaborative project, organized by Government and Community Relations and the Office of the Dean of Students, brought together student groups from Fraternity and Sorority Life and O Heroes through the CommUniversity program with the goal of improving campus-area neighborhoods.

 

What sets this year’s project apart is the leadership of the members of UO’s Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) program. 

 

“We were thrilled at the opportunity to leverage our commitment to service and partner with our fellow student organizations,” said Kelsey Fuson, vice president of community programing for the PanHellenic Council. “The number of students we’ve had sign up to participate has been amazing and further confirmation of the excitement FSL members have for giving back.”

 

The day started with an event at McArthur Court where they were welcomed by Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and interim UO President Scott Coltrane. They then dispersed to one of eight locations throughout the city, where they were joined by community volunteers led by Nearby Nature and the City of Eugene’s Eugene Parks and Open Space Division.  The student-led projects focused on tree planting, path restoration, invasive species removal, and litter removal in campus neighborhoods and parks.

 

“Helping students establish positive relationships with our off-campus community is always a highlight for me,” said Karen Hyatt, of UO’s Government and Community Relations, whose charge is to help facilitate such projects. “The energy and leadership of our students is impressive and it is always gratifying to share it with the community in a constructive and collaborative way.”

 

An additional day of service in campus neighborhoods will take place this spring.