Giving Back with Big Impact

Seattle University’s community-wide day of volunteerism is back and bigger than ever.

“Historically, the Day of Service has been a Seattle U tradition geared toward alumni,” said Anthony Ansay, assistant director for Lifelong Alumni Engagement. “This year, we are extending the invitation to students, staff and faculty to join us in carrying out our mission."

This year’s Day of Service is May 20, a tradition that connects the Redhawk community to service sites in and around Seattle in need of volunteer labor, providing an opportunity for participants to live out the university’s mission to serve others.

There’s a variety of activities available, suitable for all ages and abilities. Volunteers can help with landscaping, gardening, deep cleaning, making food and distributing goods to folks in need, among other tasks. Many sites will be sponsored or led by alumni chapters or affinity groups, such as Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), Women of SU and the Portland Regional Alumni Chapter. Some of the on-site locations include the Recovery Café, Tilth Alliance, Cougar Mountain Zoo and the Union Gospel Mission.

“The Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together. No matter your interests, there’s an opportunity for everyone,” Ansay says. “These sites truly make an impact on the communities they serve.”

“We hear about service at Seattle U, but there’s something about seeing it in action and building connections with the people and organizations you're serving,” says Caitlin Joyce, ’11, ’18. A former GOLD Board Member, Joyce has attended more than a half a dozen Day of Service events. “... Day of Service helps you live out the values that are instilled in you as a student at Seattle U.”

The Seattle University Alumni Association has partnered with nonprofit organizations across the country for this year’s Day of Service—which is also the city of Seattle's Day of Service—from across the Puget Sound and the country, from Nashville to Portland.

“I am proud of our Day of Service tradition,” says Ellen Whitlock Baker, assistant vice president of Alumni Engagement. “We accomplish more when we come together and we are eager to see this event grow and engage even more of our Seattle University community. Service is ingrained throughout Seattle University as part of our Jesuit values and it’s meaningful that alumni continue to live those values after graduation.”

The event is free but registration is recommended. Don’t see a service site in your area? Contact Anthony Ansay at aansay@seattleu.edu.