Nearly 300 University of Denver students — including the men’s lacrosse team and the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity — participated in a “Day On” Day of Service Jan. 18 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“At DU, we have many programs that teach the importance of public service and service learning and this is something that, as a student, I value tremendously,” says senior Javier Ogaz. “Historically, we look to Dr. King as a great figure who chose to live his life in the service of others.”
Ogaz and a group of students spent the morning painting an entrance way at the Serenity Learning Center, a school for children and young adults with developmental delays.
“I chose to volunteer because I felt that it was the most sincere and respectful way to honor the memory of Dr. King,” Ogaz says.
Students volunteered from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at a variety of community partner sites across Denver, including the Boys & Girls Club-Owen Branch, Serenity Learning Center, Sun Valley Youth Center, Urban Peak and Volunteers of America.
In addition, more than 130 students picked up trash in the DU neighborhood.
Following the morning activities, DU provided volunteers with lunch. Students also participated in a reflection session that encouraged them to think about their experience and how it helped the group, community and city.
“The turn-out for our “Day On” was good, and the community partners felt good about what we did,” says Carl Johnson, director of student programs and Greek life. “It’s something we will definitely keep working on for the future.”
The event was organized by the University’s Student Life division.