Providence, RI--Nearly 200 members and friends of the Providence College community participated in two service projects in Providence on Saturday, April 25.

The events -- the inaugural Spring into Service Day and a FUSION service outreach -- drew students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends for local street and park cleanups and other improvements.

Spring into Service Day was organized by Kathleen Reed '12 of Lafayette, Ind. Reed undertook leadership of the service opportunity as part of her Foundations of Organizational Service (PSP 202) class, taught by Dr. Richard M. Battistoni, professor of political science and department chair and professor of public and community service studies.

The project drew 125 people, who conducted cleanups on various Elmhurst streets from Douglas to Huxley avenues, Smith Street between Oakland and Academy avenues, and Chalkstone Avenue from Davis Park to Smith Street.

In addition, volunteers spruced up a garden at the Smith Hill Library and helped with a bake and book sale at the library. Lastly, volunteers helped paint the St. Charles Soup Kitchen in the city's West End.

Reed said she was heartened by the turnout of volunteers and that the event showed that "it doesn't take any huge actions to show the neighborhood we live in that we really do care."

"I think the best part about Saturday was hearing reports from volunteers that they had drivers and pedestrians stop to tell them they were doing a great job and that they appreciate the hard work," she said.

Reed added, "Spring into Service Day was a community success, and I believe that those involved truly made a difference. I am thankful to all who took part. It could not have gone better."

FUSION event attracts alumni, students
For the third consecutive year, PC alumni and students helped to refurbish the historic Esek Hopkins Homestead at 97 Admiral St., as part of the College's FUSION efforts.

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.

This year, 66 volunteers helped to erect a pre-fabricated children's playground next to the Hopkins Soccer Field, which is adjacent to the homestead. In addition, volunteers cleared weeds and added fresh mulch to the trees that were planted last year.  

Named "Friars United for Service In Our Neighborhood," FUSION is a unique partnership between PC and city Parks Department officials that was developed by the College's Providence 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 the College president.

Designed to facilitate networking and service opportunities, FUSION 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, President's Council members, and city Parks Department officials.

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