Union College and the Community
Students, staff, and faculty are deeply committed to fostering a strong relationship with the surrounding community. Below you will find a list of programs, awards, and initiatives that make Union College a national leader in community action. During the 2008 - 2009 academic year, Union College:
- Volunteered more than 7,000 hours to the community through Union Greek life, atheletics, Minerva Program, Theme Houses, Clubs, Residential Life, and Kenney Community Center events and programs
- Was named to the 2009 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, with Distinction
- Worked with Habitat for Humanity to build two new homes in Schenectady
- Helped local residents obtain $400,000 in tax refunds with free preparation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
- Held the annual U-CARE Carnival, with more than 500 community residents in attendance
- Held the first annual Union College Volunteer Recognition Dinner, where Elizabeth Ackley '11 was named Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for her innovative approach to reading and arts education
- Continued to invest in the Park Place neighborhood, which have become a national model for neighborhood revitalization. The Park Avenue Community Stewards (PACS) Project, which seeks to beautify the park at the corner of Park Place and South Ave with resources provided by the Carter Academic Service Entrepreneur (CASE) competition to Union College student Cybil Tribie '11
- Expanded the size and reach of the Octopus Garden, an organic garden that provides vegetables for campus dining and local agencies in need
- Showcased local businesses and entertainment at the "Welcome Back Students Day," an event designed by the Union-Schenectady Alliance and Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation for students to explore local resources and amenities
- Provided students with the skills necessary for service in Ethiopia, Cambodia, Uganda, and India through various programs
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