At JSU, being an involved student means much more than just going to class. The university offers a variety of organizations to suit just about anyone’s interests. Many students choose to become involved with organizations in order to meet people but making new friends is only part of the experience. Student organizations at JSU are continually providing service for their community and often on a larger scale.
Terry Casey, Director of Student Life at JSU, has seen how hard the students work to better the lives of others. Casey says that the students seem even more eager to give back to the community than when he started working at the school fifteen years ago.
“Our student organizations do an excellent job of giving back to our community,” states Casey. “When something needs to be done, they are the first we call on.”
According to Casey, the twenty fraternities and sororities on campus raised over $35,000 and donated over five-thousand hours of labor in 2008, alone.
Each of the fraternities and sororities on campus has a national philanthropy, an organization for which they perform service. The fraternities and sororities also perform local service. Members have contributed in countless ways, from building playgrounds to assisting Habitat for Humanity.
The Greek organizations are not the only students who give back to the community. The JSU Ambassadors are a group of students given the opportunity to represent JSU and be of assistance at a variety of events. This volunteer organization is often called upon to perform service in and around the community along with their other recruiting duties.
Tracy Phillips has been an advisor to the Ambassadors for 10 years. Phillips says she has seen how giving service can impact the students causing them to want to continue to help others, not just in college, but throughout their lives. The Ambassadors have performed a range of charitable acts including helping the Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center at Christmas, participating in Relay for Life, and even skating with local children.
“I want all of the Ambassadors to realize that service should be a priority in our lives,” says Phillips. “You might not always be as secure or fortunate as you are now. It could be you needing a helping hand one day.”
Josh Jones, an Ambassador, says, “Community service is a key element for students here at JSU, mainly because a lot of students are from surrounding areas.”
Casey agrees that what is good for the campus is good for the community.
“It’s important for a smaller town like the community of Jacksonville to see our students in action,” he states.
The Student Government Association is known on campus for stepping up when there is a need. The organization is open to any student at JSU. Recently, the SGA began collecting money to donate towards relief in Haiti.
The Elite Scholars, a group of students recognized for their outstanding academics, are sponsoring a campus shoe drive for the Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center through February 26. Eleven boxes have been placed on campus where new and gently used shoes can be donated for the needy.
Jansen Harmon, a member of the Elite Scholars, says the program is also planning to remodel the entrance of a local elementary school. Although community service is a requirement of the program, Harmon says he appreciates the opportunity to serve.
“We are required to do it, but we want to help the community and also show kids that there are many ways to succeed in life,” he states.
These are just a few of the many organizations on campus working hard to make a difference. JSU will continue to strive to help others, as well as give back to the community. Some may feel as though there are problems too overwhelming to tackle, but the students at JSU set an example that there is always something that can be done. They have learned that by working together, we can impact the lives of many.
Lauren Cunningham, student worker for the Office of Public Relations, contributed to this article.
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