University Celebrates Annual Make a Difference Day

Saint Louis University celebrated its annual Make a Difference Day (MADD) Saturday, Oct. 22, with more than 3,500 students, faculty, staff and alumni participating by volunteering in groups at sites across the St. Louis region.

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This year’s MADD had an election theme, encouraging broad civic participation in the day of service and in the fall political elections.

"Every year I am heartened by our community's willingness to give of our time, talent and resources,” said University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., who visited some of the service sites with his spouse Fran Pestello, Ph.D. “Make a Difference Day is an example of putting words into action, breathing life into our humble mission, which drives all we do. Make a Difference Day is more than just a day of service. It is an act of love."

“This year's MADD was hugely successful!” said Justin Vilbig, program coordinator in the Center for Service and Community Engagement. “I have already heard from many of our community partners about how great our students were and how they were professional and engaging with the sites. It really does have an impact much greater than that one day the students are there."

SLU’s Make a Difference Day is recognized as the largest in the state of Missouri and one of the largest in the country.