Supporting One Another

 “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” These words from Winston Churchill capture the pride I have in the many volunteer and philanthropic events taking place across our campuses as we enter the final weeks of the semester.

We have entered a season of renewal and growth. Spring is a wonderful time to think about goals, growth, and possibility. It’s also a wonderful time for service to others. Earlier this month, students from CU-Bloomsburg participated in The Big Event—a campus-wide day of service focused on sending student volunteers out into the community to complete service projects. I’m incredibly proud of the selflessness exhibited by our students and their willingness to give back to the people and communities they have come to call home. Over 900 students took part in The Big Event, making a big impact on the town of Bloomsburg.

Year after year, I’m inspired by our students’ heart for the community and willingness to serve others. Volunteerism and service are wonderful qualities that I hope will remain with them long after their time as Commonwealth University students. I have always believed that effective leadership is rooted in servant leadership, which is why it’s so heartening to see our students living these principles. Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”  Our students have embraced this truth by doing work that matters, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Students volunteer during The Big Event 

I am certain that our students keep these values with them after they leave our campuses. The generosity of our alumni prove it year after year. April has been a month of giving for our proud alumni and supporters as well, they are supporting our students in big ways through the All In Days of Giving, which took place earlier this month and raised over $461,000 through the generosity of 1,587 donors.  These gifts are transformational in the lives of our students and support valuable initiatives that lead directly to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes for our students. Thank you to our donors for supporting our students. We are grateful for all you do for Commonwealth University.

Growth. Giving Back. In so many ways, this is what the college experience is all about. I often speak about our number one priority at Commonwealth University—student success. As president, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our students grow as individuals in their four years here. It’s even more rewarding to know that the students who came before them are instilling the value of giving back—demonstrating the truest measure of success.

Thank you, sincerely, to every student and supporter for the generosity of spirit and selflessness you have demonstrated this month. Your actions have made a difference in the lives of others!