Providence, RI--On Saturday, April 21, 2007, which was Earth Day, approximately 40 PC students, alumni, and local business leaders came together to engage in a community service initiative as part of the pilot project, "Friars United for Service In Our Neighborhood," or FUSION.

The project was established by a special committee of the College's Providence President's Council.

The committee was charged with designing a program that facilitates networking among students, members of the greater community, and alumni while engaging them in a service project close to campus.

The committee consists of members of the President's Council, the National Alumni Association Board of Governors, and members of the College administration.

After careful analysis, and with the assistance of the Providence Parks Department, the committee chose the Esek Hopkins Homestead located at 97 Admiral Street in Providence, as the site of the service project. The 1754 house was the residence of Esek Hopkins, first Admiral of the United States Navy and the only naval officer to hold the title of Commander-in-Chief.

In addition to its historical significance, the property has high utilization potential for the community. The City of Providence has identified $1 million for renovations to the property; future plans include a visitor's center and restoration to the adjacent soccer field that is used by the community.

Project work included debris removal, landscaping, fence-building, flagpole restoration, and other "clean-up" duties; the City provided the leadership and supplies.

Ann Manchester-Molak, assistant vice president of college relations and planning at the College and a member of the FUSION committee, underscored this pilot project's multiple benefits.

"Relationships between young alumni, local business leaders, city officials, and current students were fostered through the common denominator of giving something back to the neighborhood during this day of service," said Manchester-Molak. 

The College's recent efforts to team-up with the City include serving as a partner in the City's Providence After School Alliance; co-funding significant safety improvements and beautification efforts on Huxley Avenue, which separates PC's east and main campuses; and, through PC's Urban Action program, revitalizing Providence parks, street-side landscaping and clean-up, and painting at local schools.

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