![Freshmen volunteering during Freshman Service Day]()
During the 2017-18 academic year, Carroll University students, faculty, staff and alumni participated in a total of 14,160 service hours, a significantly higher number than previous years. Carroll has always kept service at the heart of its mission, investing an increasing amount of resources in order to execute this vision. The university’s steadfast commitment and hard work is reflected in these rising hours, skyrocketing from 1,250 in 2009 to more than 14,000 this past year.
All year long, Carroll offers many opportunities for its students and community members to give back by supporting local organizations and efforts. Annual events include the Freshman Service Day (see video below) and Pioneers Serve: Carroll Volunteer Day, when alumni come together to continue their commitment to service. In addition to working with organizations in the Waukesha and Milwaukee areas, travel opportunities through Alternative Spring Break trips and service-oriented Cross-Cultural Experiences allow students to extend their impact to numerous regions.
Jake Eisch, associate director of student activities and director of community engagement, credits this progress to the university’s mission of service and the students it attracts.
“Service requires time, effort, energy and passion—so reaching these milestones are not happenstance,” commented Eisch. “Carroll attracts students that care about their community and are willing to serve. Additionally, the university has invested in service as a core part of the Carroll experience by highlighting the great work our students are doing, providing financial support and building it into the institutional mission statement when it was revised. Finally, our faculty and staff care a great deal about making a positive impact and are active members in our community, but also prioritize building service into the Carroll curriculum.”
While this impressive accomplishment may speak to the quality of Carroll’s students, faculty, staff and alumni, Eisch always works to keep meeting the needs of the community the ultimate goal.
“My number one priority isn’t just that it looks good for us, but that we are truly doing good and improving the lives of those around us.” Eisch remarked, emphasizing the university’s mission of service about all else. “But, I would hope that others, whether it be prospective students, parents or our neighbors, all see our desire to serve as a true reflection of the Pioneer spirit and commitment to taking an active role in our communities.”
Learn more about community service and volunteer opportunities at Carroll University.