A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student spent his Saturday digging in the dirt and installing logs at Willoughby Farm in Collinsville, as part of the University’s annual commitment to community service.
SIUE’s fifth annual Citizenship in Action held Saturday, Aug. 20 closed out The SIUE Experience, which is an orientation program for new students. Tyler Jay McWhorter, a College of Arts and Sciences junior, was one of approximately 550 students, who participated in a variety of service projects.
“I dug and installed logs to divert water that was eroding the trails,” said McWhorter. “We also pulled invasive weeds and plants that were taking over some of the trail area.
“I volunteered, because I love making an impact in other people’s lives. Helping others is something that I pride myself in, and I feel that projects like these are rewarding not only for the place, but also for the people who are helping.”
The service projects are reflective of SIUE’s value of citizenship, said Sarah Laux, assistant director of civic engagement with SIUE’s Kimmel Student Involvement Center.
Volunteers were divided among nine service projects: Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville; Willoughby Farm and Arlington Wetlands, both in Collinsville; Granite City Community Gardens; La Vista Farm and Discovery Garden, both in Godfrey; and Grassroots Grocery, Hellrung Park and Koenig House, all in Alton.
“SIUE has a great presence in the community,” said Laux. “The community does so much for SIUE, and it’s important for SIUE to serve the community to which it belongs. Citizenship is one of SIUE’s values. Not only is this project a great way to show students that SIUE believes in its values, but it’s also important to show students that, this is what Cougars do. We give back to our community.”
Photos:
Shown are a few SIUE students who were among the 550 volunteers who worked Saturday, Aug. 20 on various community projects in the Metro East area.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple (right) works with SIUE student volunteers.