Union College hosted its annual Service Day on Friday, August 19, as part of Welcome Week activities.

Service Day is a campus tradition that allows first-year students to get involved in a series of activities and service projects dedicated to improving the campus community and neighboring communities.

Students completed projects at various locations through this year's initiative, including on campus, Pine Mountain State Park, Barbourville Tourism, and First Baptist Church of Barbourville.

Rooted in the College's mission is a commitment to act in ways that help create a more just world. Service and community engagement are at the heart of those efforts and an intrinsic element of being a Bulldog. This concept is one in which students already seem to be learning. 

"Coming from eastern Kentucky, which was recently impacted by flooding, I find it really important to give back," said Sydney Newsome of Floyd County.

"Especially since we are new, it's great to build a reputation and get to know your community. It's a chance to grow up and mature as well," Tanner Carlson of Chicago, Illinois, added.

The College says the event is an essential piece of the Union College Experience (UCE). UCE is a year-long student success program, mandatory for all freshmen. The program's goal is not only to give first-year students a chance to acclimate to a new environment but also to boost the school's retention rate and increase the number of college graduates through various lessons and team-building activities, like Friday's service day.

"To be honest, some of us wouldn't be talking if it wasn't for this, so UCE helps with camaraderie," said Christian Eddy of Broward County, Florida.

As the semester continues, UCE will provide students the tools to sharpen their academic skills and teach them valuable life skills such as managing their time, money, relationships, and social life while maintaining good collegiate academic standing.

"We hope that all these students will carry the lessons learned during Welcome Weekend and the Fall semester through to graduation and dedicate themselves to having a heart of service," said Ryan Sergent-Payne, Title III Engagement Specialist and Lead Navigator.

The fall semester begins next Tuesday, August 23.