Giving Back with Big Impact: Day of Service Returns for 2023

“Historically, Day of Service has been a Seattle U tradition geared toward alumni,” said Anthony Ansay, assistant director for Lifelong Alumni Engagement. “This year, we are extending the invitation to students, staff and faculty to join us on Saturday, May 20, in carrying out our mission.”

That tradition connects the Redhawk community to service sites in and around Seattle in need of volunteer labor, providing an opportunity for participants to live out the university’s mission to serve others. 

“We hear about service at Seattle U, but there's something about seeing it in action and building connections with the people and organizations you're serving,” says Caitlin Joyce, ’11, ’18. A former GOLD Board Member, Joyce has attended more than a half a dozen Day of Service events. “You have to get up early on a weekend, usually drive far… It can be cold and it is often dirty and tiring work but, just like a good workout, you feel great after! Day of Service helps you live out the values that are instilled in you as a student at Seattle U.” 

The Seattle University Alumni Association has partnered with nonprofit organizations across the country for this year’s Day of Service, from the Puget Sound to Nashville, Tennessee to Portland. There’s a variety of activities available, suitable for all ages and abilities. Volunteers can help with landscaping, gardening, deep cleaning, making food and distributing goods to folks in need, among other tasks. Many sites will be sponsored or led by alumni chapters or affinity groups, such as Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), Women of SU and the Portland Regional Alumni Chapter. 

“Often times we want to give back, but get caught up in our busy lives,” Joyce says. “This is an opportunity … to get to know other alumni and the good works of a local organization. And you just might find you have a knack for gardening, painting or some other previously undiscovered talent.” 

Ansay agrees: “The Day of Service is a wonderful opportunity for Seattle U to come together. No matter your interests, there’s an opportunity for everyone. These sites truly make an impact on the communities they serve.”  

Some of the on-site locations include the Recovery Café, Cougar Mountain Zoo and the Union Gospel Mission. 

Registration is now open for all volunteer sites.

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