The college experience is not one that is limited to a small location. A true college experience connects students with the cities, towns, and communities around where their campuses are located. New students at Stony Brook University were able to learn this first hand earlier this year when the Student Affairs department, in collaboration with the Office of Community Relations, hosted Community Service Day. More than 300 first-year students worked together on various community projects in the areas around campus. These activities were offered as part of New Seawolves Welcome.
Students could choose to participate on campus or off campus in a number of service projects. Some of these included
- Backpack Supplies Packout: More than 100 students packed out 1,300 backpacks with various school supplies for K-12 children from 22 schools across Long Island. The project was held with community partners Island Harvest and Supplies for Success.
- Notes of Hope: More than 60 students wrote notes of hope and inspiration for homebound Brookhaven residents. The project was held with community partners Meals on Wheels, the Town of Brookhaven and the Long Island State Veterans Home.
- Story Writing: 6 students created content about their studies and experiences at Stony Brook for a monthly newsletter, in partnership with Meals on Wheels and the Town of Brookhaven.
- Campus Beautification: Approximately 50 students planted flowers and shrubs at the 9/11 Memorial Arch location, and the walkway between the SAC and Frey Hall.
- Route 25A Clean Up: 70 students made their way down Route 25A to pick up litter and debris. The project was coordinated with Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn’s office.
- Patriot’s Rock Clean Up: A small team of six students removed branches, litter and pulled up invasive species of plants at Patriot Rock, a local community treasure. The project is being held with the Three Village Community Land Trust.
- Field Day Fun: Fifteen students helped run a field day for children with Down Syndrome. The project was held with community partner, Gigi’s Playhouse.
These events helped Stony Brook students make a true connection to areas both on and off campus as they begin their college careers.
