EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s annual “Embrace the Community” (ETC) Serve Day was a resounding success, as over 300 students, faculty, and staff volunteered at over 25 locations in Eugene and Springfield to engage in a day of transformative service. The event epitomizes Bushnell’s dedication to community engagement and service as a vital part of higher education.
Rev. Troy Dean, M.A., Campus Pastor and Assistant Professor, is a driving force behind ETC Serve Day. He emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “Bushnell’s fall day of service reflects our calling to education and service. We hope to be good neighbors by serving our county through partnering with amazing non-profit organizations. As Beacons, we hope to shine a light on the needs in our community and work to help make a difference.”
Senior math major Mackenzie Hunton, who has been a passionate advocate for community service throughout her time at Bushnell, shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “ETC Serve Day gives us the opportunity to work with local organizations that are already doing good in the area. By doing this, we get to better the community surrounding us in Eugene and Springfield, while supporting the organizations that are already hard at work.”
Throughout the day on September 21, Bushnell volunteers engaged in various service activities, such as painting, landscaping, cleaning local areas, and serving senior residents. One notable project included collaborating with the Every Child organization. Together, students and volunteers facilitated an empowering experience for children in foster care, unhoused children, and children experiencing other crises, enabling them to “shop” in a space that allows them to make choices. Bushnell students played an essential role in sorting through donated clothing, ensuring that these young individuals received clothing options that met their basic needs, and helping them feel a special sense of belonging.
Another remarkable project included students partnering with the Hope and Safety Alliance, a leading advocate and support group for survivors of domestic violence. Students visited local businesses to distribute information about events organized by the Alliance and to request donated goods. This work effectively increased awareness about domestic violence and the local resources available to survivors.
ETC Serve Day also witnessed participants working on the renovation of a community center, creating an inviting space for residents to gather and connect. The impact of these efforts was palpable, as the volunteers labored with dedication and enthusiasm, leaving behind tangible evidence of their commitment to service.
Bushnell University is deeply grateful to the local community for their support and participation in this year’s ETC Serve Day. The university believes that by fostering connections and encouraging acts of service, we can contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Eugene and Springfield.
For those interested in future service opportunities or learning more about Bushnell University’s commitment to community engagement, please visit the university’s website at www.bushnell.edu.