Community power meets university power Tuesday, Sept. 6, when some 80 area non-profit agencies will seek the volunteer services of faculty, students and staff during the 8th Annual Community Service Opportunities Fair at California State University, Fresno.
The fair, to be held in the Memorial Court grass area in front of the Kennel Bookstore from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., has attracted some 2,800 participants resulting in nearly 700 students signing up for volunteer work each year, said Fresno State President Dr. John D. Welty.
“This is truly the epitome of a public-funded institution of higher education using its most precious and valuable resource — its students — to give back to the community,” Welty said. “At the same time, community service provides these students with the incomparable learning opportunity of hands-on experience.”
The event is sponsored by Dr. J. Michael Ortiz, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Students for Community Service, University Student Union and Career Services.
In addition to allowing community service agencies the opportunity to access the large pool of potential Fresno State volunteers, the fair provides other benefits, said Ortiz.
“Faculty and staff learn about the variety of volunteer opportunities available while promoting student involvement in community service work,” Ortiz said. “The fair also increases awareness of how we connect volunteer activities with academics.”
Among the agencies represented will be: the Central California Blood Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Fresno, Friendly Visitor Service, EOC Sanctuary, Habitat for Humanity, Fresno Arts Council, KVPT Ch. 18, Poverello House, Stone Soup and Tree Fresno.
Fresno State Food Services and the Dairy Unit have donated refreshments for the occasion. For more information, contact Chris Fiorentino, coordinator of the Students for Community Service program, at (559) 278-7079.
