University of Findlay Students Give Back to Their New Community

University of Findlay students and their families were on campus on Thursday for move-in day. After unpacking and organizing, students began their journey at UF by pursuing the University’s mission – “Meaningful Lives and Productive Careers.” On Friday, hundreds of new UF students set out to tackle more than 50 service projects in Findlay and Hancock County. The 20-year tradition is one that brings students closer to the community, giving the community an opportunity to meet the new students.

“In many ways, service gives our students, employees, and the larger UF community the chance to know one another. It’s hard to disconnect from a place one feels welcome. Additionally, when one is welcome, the community does not want that person to leave,” said Christopher Caldwell, University of Findlay senior director for international, intercultural, and service engagement.

Students spent Friday morning and afternoon prepping arts and crafts for children’s programs, setting up for the YMCA youth triathlon, pulling weeds and picking up trash in public places, and helping at the Fort Findlay Playhouse. “If we were to pay each of the volunteers $15/hour, their labors would be valued at $61,200. That’s a year’s worth of a full-time job into one day’s worth of Findlay/Hancock County volunteerism,” said Caldwell.

“Service is central to a meaningful life and a productive career,” Caldwell said. “Life is about so much more than work. It’s about the connections we make, the people we impact, and the planet we steward. Life is about operating with purpose.”

To learn more about the University of Findlay, visit www.findlay.edu.