What about your community service was eye opening for you?

“The amount of effort put in by my fellow classmates was very eye opening. I really saw how much this school cares about helping the community and getting involved, which in return make me want to become more involved.”

“It was eye opening to see the transformation from the look of the site before we started to what it transformed into after we were done. I was really surprised at how quickly we were able to work together to accomplish such a large task that would have taken one person multiple days to complete. There was a maintenance man there guiding us and it was great to see how happy he was that we were there to help him out.”

“It was a great way to use my skills as a design student toward a community service project, I have been looking for ways to utilize my design skills through volunteering.”

“Just thinking about how much the children who received these packages of clothes and toys would value them made me feel happy, but at the same time I feel sad and angry that people cannot afford these basics for their children. It made poverty seem very real to me in a way it hadn't before, and I also feel extremely grateful for all the things that I have had growing up.”

“The people at our site played a video at the beginning of the day of the families in our communities that are struggling with hunger. It was very sad to see them suffering like that. They also told us statistics about hunger in the US, as well as in Philadelphia. I didn't know that many people were struggling with hunger in our area.”

“With a little hard work a lot can be accomplished.”

“I realized that money is really tight for non-profit organizations and that volunteers like us can really make a difference.”

“The thing that was most eye opening for me was how many people hunger effects not only in America, but in our own community.”

“I realized how much teachers need books and how giving individuals and companies can be since they are who donate to the Book Bank. It’s sad to know that a lot of teachers and schools do not have the funding for books but it’s comforting to know that there are people who are willing to give their services.”

“As I sat down with two senior citizens while making "Get Well Soon" cards, I saw that all they really wanted was someone to converse with. I never knew that there were places for seniors to better their lives and volunteers are always welcome to make their days.”

Why did you participate in the Day of Service?

“I participate in the Day of Service each year to learn as well as give back to the community. My experience, every year, has been rewarding.”

“It is incredibly important to give back to the community! And it provides opportunities to explore new organizations, areas and people in the city and surrounding communities.”

“I wanted to do Day of Service to expand my horizons of my college experience. I had the opportunity to hang out and work with older students and even someone from Admissions. I thought that the idea of having a day of service in general is a wonderful thing.”

“I haven’t missed one yet! It’s a great feeling to know that you are doing something to help our community. The folks at the zoo were so happy that we were helping them weed…they told us numerous times that we were so helpful.”

“Community service connects us to the local, greater, community and engages us in activities beyond our day-to-day responsibilities. It is great fun, and a pleasure to participate each year in something new!”

“I participated in the Day of Service because I feel being involved in the community is one of the most important things a person can do to help, and give back to society. Being able to do service projects on a day during the school year makes them more meaningful, knowing that my university community is helping make a difference.”

“I participated in the day of service because each year, I love to give back and help people out even though it's not the only day I volunteer and give back during the year, it’s nice to see my peers participating along with me each year on this designated day.”

“I participated in the day of service because I am new to this community so I really wanted to give back for what has been given to me thus far in my time here.”

“I'm an avid volunteer as it is, but don't always have the time during the school year due to class and assignment obligations. Day of Service allows me to take a breather and do something good for my community.”

“I like to help out the community because it makes me feel better about myself knowing that I can use my skills to help someone. I plan on doing more service projects and also visiting the ladies at this site through-out the year.”

Additional Testimontials

“I thought the day of service was really fun, not only did I get to spend time with friends, but we gave back to out community in the process. Great job everybody!” - student response

“My experience was great! Working at the Wyck House was nice, there were plants there since 1690 and so I thought it was really cool how we helped maintain them.” – student response

“Day of Service was an inspiring and rewarding day for all involved,” said Dr. Spinelli. A campus-wide Day of Service with faculty, staff, and student involvement is a shining example of the collaborative nature of the University and truly exemplifies the many ways Philadelphia University students understand the power and importance of service and giving.”

“I think it was awesome! I really liked my service project and the community really appreciated our help!” – student response

“We worked with Make-A-Wish and it was a great experience! It was fun!” - student response

“The East Falls Train Station planting on the University's Day of Service not only allowed our landscape architecture students see their design work transformed into a "living landscape," it gave them the opportunity to see first hand the immediacy and positive impact their work can have on a community and the physical environment. Plus I think the students enjoyed working together and getting their hands in the dirt!" – Claudia Goetz Phillips, Ph.D., ASLA, director, Landscape Architecture Program

“I enjoyed working with members of City Year and knowing that the kids on the ball field will be much happier with their new field.” - student response

“Dear Mark, Carmel, Louise, Celia, and All who worked to put this day together, Thank you so much for a wonderful day!! We loved the whole experience and really appreciate what you each did to make this happen. So many people expressed the hope that we can do it again. I know that’s not what you want to hear the day after a big event, but it was said because they enjoyed it” – Jane Likens, associate professor of Fashion Design

“The Day of Service was a great opportunity to get involved in the community. As well as a chance to meet new people and make new friends.” - student response

“The commitment and dedication from the faculty, staff and students was exceptional,” said Mark Govoni, dean of Students and chair of the Day of Service committee.

“The range of projects, the variety of locations and the diversity of people served all made the day a remarkable success for the Philadelphia University.”

“I am very impressed by the Day of Service initiative. The day was very fulfilling and I look forward to next year. Proud to be a part of Philadelphia University.” – student response

“This was such a positive experience. Not only did we interact as a team, we had the chance to meet the community when they came out as we cleaned. This must continue!” - student response

“Thank you all for helping the East Falls Community Council distribute its Aging in Place survey today! We really appreciate the willingness, enthusiasm and good spirits with which you approached your assignments. Please know that your time today was truly a service to our community and that your efforts are very important for the programs and services we hope to make available to the older people living in East Falls.” – Anne, Julie and Doris, Aging in Place