By Savannah Ruiz, University Communications and Marketing intern [Photos by Savannah Ruiz and Bryan Stark, USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement]
This year marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks when nearly 3,000 people
were killed after hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon
and a fourth plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks also claimed
the lives of hundreds of first responders who rushed to help.
To honor those who lost their lives – as well as the heroes and survivors of 9/11
– USF students participated in the 9/11 Week of Service, a week-long Stampede of Service
event organized by the USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement.
USF students volunteered with Metropolitan Ministries, helping serve at-risk members of the community
The Service Engagement Expo featured dozens of volunteer opportunities for USF students
USF students at the University Area Community Development Corp's Thursday Harvest
Performing acts of service is a great way to honor the service men and women who risked their lives and suffered for putting themselves on the line. It also allows us to set forth good examples and practices that help create a more engaged community.
Tehami Ammad
USF Student
STUDENTS COMMEMORATE THROUGH ACTION
The USF 9/11 Week of Service began with an exposition that featured various student
organizations and community partners. There, students registered for volunteer opportunities
that allowed them to serve their communities while honoring those affected by the
Sept. 11 attacks.
For Mitch Jean-Mary, a USF biology major and volunteer with USF Partners in Health
Engage, a nonprofit focused on global health equity, participating in the Week of
Service was a meaningful way to commemorate 9/11 while helping those in need.
USF biology major Mitch Jean-Mary, representing USF Partners in Health Engage
USF students, faculty and staff volunteering with Feeding Tampa Bay
9/11 is a very important and monumental event for me. I think it's important that we take the time to commemorate what happened. Through service and outreach, we can help others while also raising awareness about what occurred during a significant time for the United States.
Mitch Jean-Mary
USF Biology Major
As part of the Week of Service, students participated in several hands-on volunteer
opportunities throughout Tampa Bay.
Students joined Feeding Tampa Bay’s Causeway Center in Brandon where they sorted perishable
and nonperishable food. They also distributed hot meals to community members through
the University Area Community Development Corp.
Many of the week's activities are taking place on Sept. 11, also known as Patriot Day, a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Students participated in a cleanup at Copeland Park, volunteered in the community garden at Harvest Hope Park and served as support staff for a 9/11 Day meal-packing event at Benchmark International Arena, helping package meals for local community partners.
USF student at Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s park cleanup
Participants at the 9/11 meal pack in Benchmark International Arena
“Because 9/11 was such a traumatic event, it is important for people to come together and help their communities,” said USF accounting major Tina Nguyen. “Through organizations like Earthusiast, we also try to raise awareness about ways people can help the environment and make a positive impact.”
Those opportunities for reflection and community involvement are at the heart of the Week of Service, according to Bryan Stark, student development coordinator with the USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement.
“Through teamwork, reflection and meaningful service, this week-long event allows
students to discover meaningful ways to get involved, serve others and create positive
change together with fellow USF Bulls,” Stark said.