SERVICE DAY 1997
One of most gratifying experiences I have had as a member of the Alumni Association was participating in Northeastern's first Service Day last spring. It was very inspiring to see more than 200 students, faculty members, and alumni assembled at 8 a.m. on that sunny April day, ready to give up their Saturday to volunteer. It was such a simple, and yet generous, way to give back to the university and to the community at the same time. It was a way to help those who need it while enjoying the company of other members of the N.U. family. A number of our constituent alumni clubs, such as the Alumnae Club and the Greater Boston Club, took part in the months of planning, spearheaded by executive committee member Margaret Jacobs, AS'83, and Maureen Feeley, CJ'87, of the Alumni Relations office.
On Saturday, April 26, you have another opportunity to share in this great experience. This year, the second annual Northeastern University Service Day will be a national event. In addition to the Boston area clubs, alumni clubs in Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Washington, D.C. will be participating. You can choose to volunteer for many social and religious organizations, with all types of indoor and outdoor project needs. For instance, last year I spent the day with other alums and students at Boomerang's, the AIDS Action Committee's beautiful thrift shop, sorting and pricing all types of clothing among the thousands of items donated weekly.
"It is a good feeling to be helping the less fortunate, improving our society. There is so much need that it makes you feel good about your contributions," says Nick Iannone, BA'91, cochair of the Greater Boston Alumni Club. Nick joined some twenty-five other volunteers hammering and sawing at Habitat for Humanity in Lynn. "We want to build on last year's experience and make it even better this year."
Other alums stuffed envelopes for the Walk for Hunger, worked on voter registration, and cleaned up the Fenway area and neighborhood playgrounds. Lynn McDowell, AS'85, cochair of the Alumnae Club, volunteered last year at Rosie's Place, a Boston shelter for homeless and battered women. "It was a great feeling, especially to see what we could accomplish in one day," she says. "They had us working all day, some outdoors cleaning and some working indoors. Alumni from several different clubs were involved and we were all working together. It gave everyone a very good feeling. I definitely plan to attend this year."
Angela Carosella, BA'90, vice president and chair of the Alumni Reunion and Events Committee, is spearheading this year's alumni efforts. I ask you to mark Saturday, April 26, on your calendar. Contact Angela, the Alumni Relations office (617-373-3186), or your club leader, and share in the spirit and accomplishment of Service Day.
-Deborah B. McConchie, BA'75, is president of the Alumni Association.
