Sixth Annual MLK Service Day a Success

The sixth annual Martin Luther King Service Day brought many Hamilton students, faculty and staff and many community members together for one special day of education, tribute and community service.  Organized by Haley Reimbold '06, the executive director of HAVOC, Marc David, assistant dean of students for multicultural affairs, Jeff McArn, College chaplain, and Nancy Thompson, senior associate dean of students, the volunteer day allowed more than 160 Hamilton students to get involved in the local community and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Four buses transported those involved from life on College Hill into Utica, and volunteers were able to help such organizations such as the Neighborhood Center, JCTOD Outreach Program, The Utica Children's Museum, United Cerebral Palsy, the Loretto Center, The Boys and Girls Club, and many more. Twenty-two students opted to stick around the Hill to help tutor students from Utica's Proctor High School with any subjects that gave the students trouble. Many different on-campus committees, athletic teams, service groups and Greek societies made for a diverse crowd.

The day began with a catered brunch and pep-talk. The meeting not only allowed students and groups to organize themselves, but also gave both Marc David and Jeff McArn an opportunity to talk to the volunteers about what the day was really about: following King's footsteps and helping others. Reading from King's letters and speeches, the meeting rallied students up for a day of work.

Hamilton Sorority KSA volunteers at Loretto Center

After four hours of service activities such as painting, cleaning, renovating and moving, students gathered back on the Hill at Bundy Dining Hall for a wrap-up dinner. A delegate from each service activity described what each group did during the day. Although the work was clearly work, as some students were required to carry a vending machine down three flights of stairs, and others needed to completely clear out attics and dumpsters, all involved walked away with a smile and were glad they participated in the event. Some students said that the day was "fun" and "went by quickly"; others described the day as a great way to "get involved" and help others. Chris Fazio '06 claimed that the service day was a "great way to start the year," adding that he would like to see even more people involved in the future.

The MLK Service Day has grown tremendously over the years, from 60 participants in 1998 to 160 participants in 2004, and the program looks forward to continuous success for years to come.

-- by Emily Lemanczyk '05