Peter Scatena ‘16
Hometown: Guilderland, N.Y.
Major: Political Science
Activities: Philanthropy chair of Alpha Delta Phi; Member of Union College Democrats; conducted summer independent research on Union College alumni in the Civil War
Why do you volunteer?
I spent a term abroad in Vietnam and became involved in various volunteer projects. In Hanoi, we worked with Think Playgrounds, constructing a playground from recycled materials that was donated to the city for children to enjoy. This led me to appreciate the merit of volunteer work, both for those I’m helping and for my own personal growth. I'm motivated by the end result; seeing my work come to fruition and seeing people enjoy the fruits of my labor.
What types of community service projects have you participated in, and why?
Vale Urban Farm (every Saturday), Girls Inc. (every Wednesday), Kenney Community Center after-school help, and various fundraisers. I prefer projects that are hands on and involve manual work, so Vale Urban Farm has been great for me and for AD Phi, and we've been crucial in its success since last spring. All the projects we involve ourselves in offer value to the community, and they offer our fraternity a chance to grow as a brotherhood.
What causes/projects are particularly meaningful to you?
I love Vale Urban Farm because my fraternity has been there since its beginning this year. We started work in the spring when it was a barren flat land with no work done on it. We've since gone every week and have had the chance to see it blossom into an irrigated, well-kept garden. Besides that, I love working with kids and think that the homework help and Girls Inc. are enormously important.
What projects are coming up?
We are working on a $2,000 fundraiser to donate to Nourish International, an organization that works to empower children in impoverished communities. The premise is that all Alpha Delta Phi members with thick beards will shave at the end of November if we raise the money, so please donate!