Walsh University launched the new academic year with its inaugural ‘Service Saturday,’ an initiative organized by the Office of Student Affairs. This event brought together 300 freshmen and staff who volunteered across several different sites, embodying Walsh’s mission to educate students as leaders in service to others. As part of Welcome Weekend, this campus-wide service day marked the beginning of the university experience with a strong focus on community engagement and service.

The day began at 9 a.m., with freshmen arriving eager to participate in meaningful projects both on campus and throughout the community. Kristi Campbell, Chief Student Conduct Officer, played a key role in ensuring the event's success by coordinating the teams throughout the day while volunteers contributed to various projects:

Community Sites:

Beech Creek Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve, Alliance: 23 students, led by Garrett O’Connell, Graduate Assistant for Intramurals and Orientation, assisted with weeding and general grounds maintenance.

Stark Parks, Petros Lake Park: 19 students, along with Nick Morris, Faculty Director of the Blouin Scholars Program, and Sydney Pepper, Graduate Assistant for Conduct and Community Standards, cleaned up litter and maintained signs and structures along the Mindfulness Walk.

Lighthouse Ministries: 18 students, accompanied by Rachel Hosler, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Meredith Soduk, Director of Academic Support Services, prepared the Southeast Canton site that supports local youth for the back-to-school season.

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank: Ten students led by Kim Graves sorted and labeled food donations at the Canton location.

Windsor Medical Center: Five students spent time with senior residents singing songs and playing instruments. They invited Walsh to collaborate on an Adopt-a-Grandpa program.

On-Campus Projects:

CAVS Closet: Five students organized donations of professional attire in Lemmon Residence Hall. This resource offers free business and casual clothing to students preparing for their professional careers.

Students in various campus groups earned their Interpersonal Leadership Endorsement through impactful work under Melanie Timco's direction:

Aultman Hospital’s Serenity Program: Students assembled 100 self-care kits for forensic nurses at Aultman Hospital. The kits were funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Operation: Gratitude: Students created care packages for military personnel and first responders.

Cavs Commuter Words of Affirmation Cards: Students crafted handwritten notes of encouragement attached to snacks in the commuter lounge.

Walsh Counseling Services Sunshine Bags: Students made handwritten notes of kindness along with mints and stress balls.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all volunteers who made a positive impact on both the community and Walsh University campus!