New Bulldogs engaged during Service Day event

Maisie Nelson • August 19, 2022
  • Slide title

    Landscape work around the campus was one of many projects. 

    Button
  • Slide title

    Students helping First Baptist Church of Barbourville prepare for their back to school event by sorting through clothes. 

    Button
  • Slide title

    Barbourville Tourism had several extra sets of hands to help with upcoming events.

    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    More landscaping work around the student center.

    Button
  • Slide title

    They've got spirit, yes they do! Another acivity included painting the spirit rock to welcome back students. 

    Button

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.


By Maisie Nelson October 3, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is strengthening its commitment to both students and the region by welcoming several new employees who are alumni or have strong local ties.
By Maisie Nelson September 24, 2025
Union Commonwealth University formally inaugurated Dr. D.J. Washington as its 20th president on Friday, September 19, in a ceremony that honored the institution’s history while celebrating a bold vision for its future.
By Maisie Nelson September 17, 2025
Union Commonwealth University has officially announced a bold new initiative that will make college more accessible for local students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, all graduating seniors from Knox County—including Knox Central High School, Lynn Camp High School, and Barbourville Independent.
By Maisie Nelson September 9, 2025
Union Commonwealth University will host a week of celebrations leading up to the formal installation of Dr. DJ Washington as the 20th President of the institution. The inauguration, set for Friday, September 19, will honor Union’s proud heritage while spotlighting a bold vision for its future.
s
By Maisie Nelson August 29, 2025
Union has received $780,000 from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program to renovate a campus building into its first Live & Learn Dormitory.
By Maisie Nelson August 28, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the final group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program.
exterio
By Maisie Nelson August 12, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is making bold strides to strengthen and grow its academic foundation. As part of a reimagined academic structure, the University has introduced a new academic leadership team model, expanding from two colleges to four and aligning leadership roles to support innovation, accountability, an
images of the front of Shar
By Maisie Nelson August 8, 2025

Union Commonwealth University has announced a major restructuring of its academic leadership and college organization, ushering in a new era of innovation, agility, and student-focused growth under the direction of Dr. Joshua Wilkey, the university’s newly appointed Provost.
By Maisie Nelson July 29, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to unveil the next group of honorees in its celebrated “50 Under 50” alumni recognition program. Now in its fourth month, the initiative continues to spotlight Union graduates under the age of 50 who are making meaningful contributions to their fields, their communities, and socie
aerial drone photo of campus overlooking football field with mountains in the background
By Maisie Nelson July 16, 2025
Union Commonwealth University is proud to announce the launch of a new corporate sponsorship initiative to support its storied athletic program and deepen partnerships with businesses across the region. The sponsorship program offers multi-tiered opportunities for companies to align their brand with Union Athletics.