Members of the University of Lynchburg community provided more than 71,600 hours of community service during the 2016-2017 academic year.
That total includes more than 18,000 hours from the University of Lynchburg EMS, 12,000 from fraternities and sororities, 8,600 from graduate health science students, and 6,400 hours from students in the Bonner Leader program. Students have also engaged in service as athletic teams, academic classes, and fundraising teams.
In addition to the volunteer hours given, the campus raised nearly $38,000 through fundraisers on campus, including MS Walk, Relay for Life, and Play 4 the Cure.
“It’s inspiring to see people in the University of Lynchburg engage in community service,” said Christine Gibbons, director of the Office of Community Involvement. “We serve each other, we help our local community, and we travel around the world to make a difference. Service is a core part of who we are, and it’s evident in the way our community service continues to grow.”
The service hours from the most recent school year represent a 10 percent increase over the volunteer hours from 2015-2016.
Community service is an important part of University of Lynchburg’s identity. According to the College’s mission statement, its academic programs reflect a commitment to “service to the broader community,” and “University of Lynchburg extends its reach beyond the campus through experiential learning, cultural opportunities, and service by sharing the expertise and commitment of faculty, staff, and students with the broader community.” New students participate in community service during Hornet Days at the beginning of each academic year, and student groups participate in volunteer activities throughout the year. Faculty have been encouraged to incorporate service activities in their classes when possible, and community service is a component of some study abroad trips.
