Providence, RI--For the third consecutive year, Providence College alumni and students will collaborate with the City of Providence to refurbish the historic Esek Hopkins Homestead at 97 Admiral St., as part of the College's FUSION efforts.

The service project is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Volunteers will help to erect a pre-fabricated children's playground next to the Hopkins Soccer Field, which is adjacent to the homestead.

To prepare for installation of the playground, work teams will be assigned tasks such as building the structure's safety surface, assembling the structure's modules, and preparing and pouring cement that will secure the playground in place. In addition, volunteers will clear weeds and add fresh mulch to the trees that were planted last year.   

The unique partnership with city Parks Department officials was developed by the College's President's Council. The council is a leadership group, comprised of senior executives from many of Rhode Island's most prominent employers, who serve in an advisory capacity to College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80.

Named "Friars United for Service In Our Neighborhood," or FUSION, the effort matches PC undergraduates with young alumni/alumnae who graduated between 1999 and 2008, regional alumni club leaders, members of the National Alumni Association Board of Governors, and members of the President's Council.

FUSION is designed to facilitate networking and service opportunities among students, alumni, College neighbors, and members of the Greater Providence community.

Last year's project focused on the restoration of the homestead's soccer field for use by multiple neighborhood sports leagues.

Built in 1754, the 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.

For information on participation, contact Andrea Ricci, assistant director of alumni relations, at 401-865-2165 or aricci@providence.edu.

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