Learning outside the classroom by giving back

On Thursday, April 14, 385 students, faculty and staff members from College of Saint Mary will leave behind their daily routine to volunteer together throughout the Omaha Community for the 19th Annual Spirit of Service Day.

“On this day of service our students learn outside the classroom,” explains Caelee Lehman, special events coordinator. “To serve others and make a difference throughout our community is a life experience we want all of our students to have.”

“This year we’ll have more volunteers participating than ever before.”

CSM volunteers will complete more than 26 projects throughout the Omaha Metro at 20 local non-profit/service agencies. In line with the college’s mission, this day embodies one of the four pillars of the university: commitment to compassionate service.

“For me, Spirit of Service Day means taking part in something bigger than what I do in my day-to-day life.” explains Rachel Etter, senior psychology major at College of Saint Mary.

“Often I get caught up in what my next Facebook status should be, or what I will be eating for lunch, and I forget to remember that some people around me don't have the same luxuries.”

This year, Etter will volunteer at Habitat for Humanity along with 51 other student and staff volunteers from CSM. She says that Spirit of Service Day helps remind her “to stop regularly to offer a helping hand, each and every day, no matter who it is, as we all have the same purpose in life.”

Volunteers will gather at the College of Saint Mary Lied Fitness Center for a 7:45 a.m. kickoff breakfast the morning of April 14. They will then travel to locations across Omaha for either a half-day or full-day of service.