Students in service

ESU students contribute over 6,500 hours of community service in the fall semester

The members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority risked sore hindquarters and vertigo to raise $2,600 for the SOS women's shelter and the ESU Child Development Center.

For 36 hours, the students rotated between shifts riding a see-saw and collecting change from passing motorists.

According to Sigma Phi Epsilon member Dustin Rimmey, the Teeter-Totter-A-Thon is an example of a volunteer spirit shared by hundreds of students at Emporia State University.

"There's always this mentality that college students don't care about anything but themselves," he said. "But when people see students out there taking the time to raise money and serve the community, it disproves that mentality."

According to figures released recently by the student organizations and activities office and university athletics, ESU student groups contributed over 6,500 hours in fundraising and direct volunteer service last semester.

Student groups help with tasks such as picking up highway trash, assisting the disabled with household tasks, staffing high school debate tournaments, assembling food baskets for needy families and performing original educational theater. They also help out individually through volunteer tutoring, tax assistance, musical performances and other activities.

"If they volunteer as students, they make pretty adults," said Maxine Pickerill of the American Red Cross, whose organization recently received a donations from the Sigma Pi fraternity following a bike-a-thon from Emporia to Ottawa.

"A lot of people can give money, but not a lot of people give of themselves. I think it's wonderful that students from ESU will volunteer their time," she said.

According to Susan Moran, director of the SOS shelter, ESU students have been integral to the organization since it began. One hundred fifty ESU students volunteered over 5,000 hours to the shelter, spending the night to assist clients and providing support as child advocates. Many students start to fulfill degree requirements but return as volunteers, she said.

"They really enjoy it, like working with staff and understand the significance of the work they're doing."

"We greatly benefit from the university," said Deone Wilson director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, which pairs youth with young adults who intend to serve as role models. The ESU Buzz Club matches 11 boys age 8-13 with 11 men from ESU every Wednesday evening for two hours of activities. ESU athletes and professors often drop by for sports clinics and presentations.

"Students are really good about getting into the community and helping wherever they can," said Melissa Smith, an ESU senior who coordinates the Buzz Club as a Big Brothers and Big Sisters employee.

"Studies have shown that teenagers want to be around college-aged women," said Lynn Smith, director of the Flint Hills Girl Scout Council. She points to math and science demonstration ESU students prepare for scout events, and the continuing involvement of art students, musicians, sorority sisters and athletes.

"I'm impressed by their volunteer spirit. These students have a good heart and want to make the world a better place," said Smith. "Our girls are not getting a better role model. I hope they grow up to be just like them."

Last Updated July 2, 2007>