(CENTREVILLE) - Glen Oaks Community College students and employees recently participated in the second annual Day of Service.
The Day of Service began in 2025 as part of the inauguration week of President Dr. Bryan Newton and has quickly become a meaningful tradition rooted in service, collaboration and community engagement.
This week, seven groups of Glen Oaks volunteers dedicated their time and energy to local organizations and community spaces. Projects ranged from preparing emergency shelter space to beautification efforts and facility improvements.
One group, comprised of agricultural department students and their instructor, partnered with the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds to clean out a basement beneath the grandstand to help prepare it as an emergency shelter.
At Covered Bridge Park, volunteers assisted with laying mulch to enhance public green spaces that provide recreation and outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors throughout the year.
At Rooted, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting foster children and families in St. Joseph County, Glen Oaks volunteers sorted and organized clothing donations by size.
Volunteers at Keystone Place, an emergency housing facility, painted a residential room and bathroom to improve living conditions for residents and support a safe, welcoming environment.
At Affinity House, a clubhouse dedicated to helping adults living with mental illness build life skills, find employment and foster independence, Glen Oaks teams cleaned the kitchen and detailed vehicles used for programming and transportation.
At the St. Joseph County United Way, volunteers helped lay mulch around a new building, contributing to a welcoming and functional space for community services.
Glen Oaks volunteers also supported the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging's Meals on Wheels by assisting with tasks that help ensure meals are prepared and distributed efficiently, supporting older adults in maintaining independence and quality of life.
Newton says the Day of Service is a powerful example of what happens when education and community come together. He says Glen Oaks students and employees stepped up to meet real needs across St. Joseph County, and that hands-on impact reflects their commitment to serving others, building strong partnerships and preparing students for meaningful, lifelong success.