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60 first-years get early start on volunteering in community

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Colgate student volunteers work along the Chenango Canal, clearing brush and weeds from along the trail that provides access to the historic waterway. 

Some first-years choose to familiarize themselves with their new home by taking a walk into town or driving around Central New York with family or friends.

But about 60 members of Colgate’s Class of 2011 picked an approach last week that was a bit more hands-on.

The students took part in Outreach, a pre-orientation program sponsored by the Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE) that immerses participants in the greater Hamilton area through volunteer work with local organizations.

The initiative sent the first-years — along with about 20 upperclassmen — to 11 sites in the Hamilton area last Tuesday and seven sites in Utica the following day where they took part in various community service projects.

Recipients of the group’s hard work included the Hamilton Food Cupboard, Friendship Inn, and Madison Lane Apartments, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School and the American Heart Association, both in Utica.

The students did everything from cleaning and landscaping to organizing and strategic planning, according to COVE director Ingrid Hale.

“The goal was to introduce them to the Central New York region and people in a real and meaningful way,” she said, adding that participants were also able to interact with area residents through evening activities.

Katrina Engelsted ’11 said she was excited to give back to the community first and foremost, but also happy to discover the social perks of volunteering.

“[Outreach] allowed me to meet kids with the same passions as me, and gave me a huge jump start on my Colgate career,” she said. “I can now walk around campus with friends and impress the heck out of them with how many people’s names and hobbies I know.”

Fran Van Slyke, a volunteer with the Chenango Canal Association, said that a contingent of about 20 hardy students worked Tuesday clearing brush and cutting back trees to provide better access to the trail along the Chenango Canal.

Having worked with Colgaters on similar activities for several years, he said he was glad to see them come because he knew they would take the job seriously.

“They’re very good to work with, that’s for sure,” he noted. “They take a lot of initiative, and do a lot without having to be told. They have a great work ethic.”

Caroline Jenkins
Office of Public Relations and Communications
315.228.6637



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