Oakland University’s Day of Service took place on Nov. 13 and showcased the spirit of community engagement and volunteerism among its students. The event brought together students, faculty and staff to support a variety of organizations, including senior centers, animal shelters, hospitals and other nonprofit groups in the surrounding community.
“I really want to accomplish making something useful for people in need,” sophomore Makiyah Terry said. “In a sense that it makes their day get better. Even what we are doing right now, making bookmarks for kids, could lighten up their day.”
As athletes part of OU’s club volleyball team, they are required a certain number of hours of community service in order to be able to play.
“It also helps us fundraise on our end,” Terry said. “I see it benefitting us in a lot of ways, on one hand we get funding for different things we need like jerseys and better equipment. It also really helps us with our team bonding doing activities like this outside of practice.”
Terry also noted that volunteering together strengthens the team’s sense of unity and purpose. Participating in service activities allows the team to step away from the competitive environment and focus on shared goals beyond the court. These experiences help build stronger connections among teammates while contributing to the community.
“We all come from different backgrounds, and we don’t always see each other outside of practice,” Terry said. “It definitely helps with our team chemistry. As a transfer student, I felt better connected by participating because in the ‘clurb,’ we all fam!”
While there were many students there that day, not all were there for club volleyball. Some were there as a requirement for their classes. These simple yet impactful gestures underscored the power of compassion and the importance of lending a hand to those in need.
“The class we are in is Group Dynamics and it centers around team building,” freshman Nolan Medere said. “We do a lot of group projects, and this is the biggest one that we really do. We have to do six hours of service as a team together, along with a lot of projects too.”
This requirement encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and collaborate in new ways, fostering a deeper understanding of teamwork. The experience also emphasized the importance of service and how small efforts, when combined, can lead to a significant impact. Many participants gravitated toward activities that resonated with them personally, finding meaningful ways to contribute to the community.
“I think everybody that comes here is here to give back,” junior Faith Rothley said. “We picked this table, ‘making cards for children in hospitals,’ because we knew it would make a difference in someone’s life.”
Oakland University’s Day of Service exemplifies the institution’s dedication to civic engagement and the importance of fostering a culture of giving back. By coming together to support the community, students not only enhance their understanding of societal needs, but also strengthen their bond with each other and the university.
