On Tuesday, Nov. 2, Union’s students, faculty and staff participated in the annual Campus and Community Day to serve the surrounding Jackson area.
Campus and Community Day was created to say thank you to the community that rallied behind Union University in the aftermath of the 2008 tornado. Every November, Union cancels classes for a day and encourages students to serve in different areas of the community.
This year, 774 students, faculty and staff worked on 47 different teams to serve at local churches, schools, non-profits and on-campus projects.
Emily Shoemaker, coordinator for service and events in the office of university ministries, is proud of the impact Union has on the community.
“I have heard various reports of gratitude from different organizations,” Shoemaker said. “An organization leader stated ‘the work the team did in three hours was equivalent to three weeks of work for our staff.’ What a joy to be able to share our time, energy and skills to the benefit of those around us.”
Grant Gammon, senior business management and political science double major, served with the bike recycling club and the cross-country team to clean up the Union woods.
“I think it’s an important day to demonstrate servant leadership and to give back to our community,” Gammon said. “Campus and Community Day is a reminder that while Union only needed help for a certain time, these organizations need help every day.”
Gammon, with the team, was able to build a dam, clear spaces for hammocks and clear off the trails in the woods to create a safer environment for patrons of the trails.
Volunteers were able to serve the community while also bonding with the other members of their service team.
“Serving the community is a great way to bring people together,” said Madison Grohler, a senior digital media communications major.
Campus and Community Day provides Union an opportunity to get off campus and serve the greater Jackson community.
“I think it is important to give back to the community around you,” Grohler said. “The surrounding community is the reason why I have had such a great four years at Union. I think having a day set aside to serve the community that continuously serves us is a great way to say thank you.”
Photo by Union Photo Project