By KATE PIERCE
News Editor
Over 900 students came together in a day that honored the mission of the College’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, to help “thy dear neighbor” in the Capital Region community.
Reach Out Saint Rose took place on Saturday, Sept. 10. After volunteers congregated in the gymnasium, Dennis McDonald, Vice President of Student Affairs, kicked off the day with a short introduction.
“You are continuing a tradition that we are very proud of,” he said.
McDonald offered his thanks to seniors who have participated in Reach Out for all four years at Saint Rose, and his appreciation for freshmen who decided to partake in their first year. He then introduced the College President, Dr. Carolyn Stefanco.
“Here at Saint Rose we are making a difference,” said Stefanco.
Stefanco introduced the mayor of Albany, Kathy Sheehan.
“This is a tremendous day for the city of Albany,” began Sheehan.
She continued to speak on the historic highlights of Albany, including the fact that Benjamin Franklin drafted the Albany Plan of Union in 1754 in the building which is currently used as SUNY headquarters. The Albany Plan of Union, although was not ratified, was a plan for the unification of the thirteen colonies that eventually was a foundation for the United States constitution.
“Albany has a rich history,” said Sheehan. “It is a city with a great deal of pride, but also a great deal of need.”
Following the mayor’s address, volunteers were dismissed from the gymnasium to head to 23 different buses and a few Saint Rose vehicles.
One group consisting of 25 volunteers rode a bus to Myers Middle School.
The team helped to weed and touch up a community garden behind the middle school, which was installed to help students to learn about the world around them in non-traditional ways.
“We made a lot of progress,” said Sarah Dwortan, a sophomore who volunteered with her house. “It wasn’t very orderly at first, but we were able to get a lot of work done in a short time.”
This year was the second year that Dwortan participated in Reach Out. She said that no matter what you’re working on you always feel like you’re making a difference.
“It’s always a good feeling to get out and help people instead of sitting around on a Saturday,” she said.
Dwortan volunteered with her roommate Marité Martinez, a junior.
“In the end, the work is so gratifying,” said Martinez.
