Service is an important part of the Vanderbilt student experience, and it is only natural for alumni to seek opportunities to continue those efforts. Regional Vanderbilt Chapters provide the perfect opportunity by combining networking and fellowship with community service.
“Service projects create a sense of community within the chapter,” explains Katy Miller, BA’08, community service chair for the Atlanta Vanderbilt Chapter. “We see a number of people participating again and again.”
Those popular, quarterly Atlanta chapter programs include building two homes for Habitat for Humanity and preparing dinners for the residents at the Ronald McDonald House and for the homeless at Nicholas House.
“Alumni enjoy these events because they meet the people they are helping,” says Miller. “The dinner projects allow us to interact with families, and, on the Habitat builds, we work alongside the family who will live in that home. This adds a personal aspect to the projects that alumni find rewarding.”
The Washington, D.C. Chapter also offers a quarterly community service program that primarily focuses on Metro-area nonprofits. They have helped prepare meals for DC Central Kitchen, participated in the D.C. Public Schools Beautification Day, landscaped at Anacostia Park for the MLK Day of Service, and organized volunteers for the Soulfiesta Block Party.
This shared interest in community service also helps develop ties for current students involved with Alternative Spring Break. Six years ago Washington, D.C. alumni began hosting ASB students for a potluck dinner while they were in town for their project. The gathering—simply intended to connect similarly service-minded students and alumni—has grown in popularity as chapters in 14 cities welcomed students for dinner or game-watching parties in March of 2015.
“We enjoy hearing how ASB has grown over time and sharing our Vanderbilt experiences with the students. Interacting with current students reminds us of our own Vanderbilt memories and fosters awareness of service opportunities in our community,” says Jodie Leeka, BE’10, ME’11, chapter president.
Many other Vanderbilt chapters are planning community service projects. Find your chapter webpage and contact the volunteer leadership to see how you can get involved.