On December 12, 2023, staff at University College collaborated with Meals on Wheels to deliver 74 meals to Durham residents and wrap 60 gifts for them.
University College is a student-facing service at North Carolina Central University who consistently hear about how their students are completing required service hours. Like students, this event gave staff an opportunity to serve the community.
Staff bagged food, heard about the Meals on Wheels process, wrapped presents, called community members and delivered meals. The activity was coordinated by Alyssa Hatfield, coordinator of academic success coaching.
“In 2017, we started this annual Holiday Service Event at University College to foster intentional and inclusive celebration among colleagues,” Hatfield said. “This tradition is a collective investment of our time, creating a meaningful space for camaraderie without any financial strain. It's a testament to the power of shared experiences and the value we place on genuine connections during the holiday season."
Engaging in service gives University College staff a unique opportunity to relate to NCCU students. This is a conversation starter for University College staff as they ask students about their academics and required service hours towards graduation.
Among those volunteering were Ashley Anderson and Kevin Rounsley, new Academic Advisors in University College. They found volunteering to be a great way of learning about their colleagues.
“I'm a new member of University College and new to the Durham area as well, so I had such a great time bonding with my colleagues over meaningful service, Anderson said “It's such a special thing to be able to laugh and spread some holiday joy with one another and focus on the big picture of contributing towards a critical need in the community.”
“Supporting Meals on Wheels demonstrates how the Eagle Nest can extend beyond our physical campus and into the greater Durham community,” Rounsley said. “I am proud to be part of a team that practices and values community outreach.”
