 
Record Number at University to 'Make a Difference' on Oct. 23 |
Some will lend their time to assist the homeless. Others will work with those suffering from catastrophic illnesses, perform building repairs or assist the physically or mentally disabled.
No matter what the activity is, on Saturday, Oct. 23, members of the Saint Louis University community will be making a difference. That day marks the second annual "SLU Make a Difference Day" in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Volunteers will assemble at 9 a.m. Oct. 23 on the soccer field of the Billiken Sports Center. Participants then will scatter to more than 60 service locations throughout the metropolitan area.
"This program is a reflection of what the University is all about," said Bernie Schaefer, program director of the University's Community Outreach Center. "The service aspect is a big part of the Jesuit tradition. It's one way to get the entire University community involved."
More than 800 faculty, staff and students already have signed up to volunteer. The athletic department has pledged the support of all student-athletes. The University is coordinating the program in conjunction with National Make a Difference Day.
Debra Barbeau, who teaches accounting in the School of Business and Administration, is participating in the event along with more than half of her 80 students. Last year, Barbeau offered extra credit for students who completed six hours of community service. She received such positive feedback from the students that she decided to make the service a requirement this semester.
"I'd say 99 percent of the students said it was a great experience, and had I not offered the extra credit, they admitted they probably wouldn't have done it," she said. "What I'm requiring this semester is six hours of community service along with a reflection paper, and this was an opportunity for them to get the six hours in one day in a SLU project. I'd like to try to get people exposed to community service early, and hopefully it will catch on in their lives."
Barbeau, who is a member of the community service team sponsoring SLU Make a Difference Day, said her students have signed up for a variety of projects. For SLU Make a Difference Day, she will volunteer with the School of Business Administration's Service Leadership Program.
Volunteers will perform service activities in eight different categories: children, homeless, disabled, abuse/addiction, elderly, building repair, catastrophic illnesses and professional development.
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