The Growing Spirit of Volunteerism

April was National Volunteer Month, and New York Tech students and staff showed their community engagement spirit both on and off campus.

On April 8, more than 15 students supported the All-Majors Career Fair on the Long Island campus as career fair employer assistants. With over 300 students and 100 employer representatives in attendance, these volunteers helped guide students to and from the shuttle buses from the New York City campus, supported employers during the fair, and addressed student needs and concerns.

During National Student Employment Week, in collaboration with DOROT, an organization dedicated to alleviating social isolation among older adults, our students participated in a meaningful day of service activity: card-making with heart. This event took place on both New York campuses on April 16. The Office of Student Employment welcomed staff and student volunteers, who helped prepare materials and create beautiful, personalized cards that will be sent to older adults to celebrate birthdays and holidays or to brighten their day—a small gesture with a big impact. Waffa Raza, student employment coordinator in the Office of Student Employment, said, “We’re proud to support DOROT’s mission and look forward to more opportunities to connect and give back in meaningful ways.”

On Long Island, students supported the Long Island Children’s Museum through multiple spring events, including helping with guest check-in, event management, and more. These events included Holi and the Caribbean and Latin American Celebration Festival.  

For the third year, SaraJane McCaslin, director of student communications, led 11 enrollment management staff members in serving meals at Ronald McDonald House. Staff members purchased food and cooked meals to serve 40 residents. “This is our third year participating in the Meals from the Heart program and it’s a cause that hits close to home for many of us,” says McCaslin. “Since we started, I’ve known people who have stayed in the house, and our volunteers have shared their personal experiences with the house or when they could’ve used a resource like it. It’s something no family ever wants to go through, so being able to help in our small way is a really rewarding experience. It’s become a tradition that we look forward to each year, and each year more people from around campus ask me how they can get involved. I think that speaks to the community engagement at New York Tech.”

Many of the initiatives mentioned were hosted and promoted through Consultants for the Public Good, which connects New York Tech students, faculty, staff, and alumni with nonprofit organizations for community-based volunteer opportunities and projects.

The Office of Career Success and Experiential Education encourages everyone in the New York Tech community to pursue volunteerism this year. Visit New York Cares, VolunteerMatch, and Idealist for additional opportunities. Report your efforts to Askia VanOmmeren, who will guide you in recording your impact and service hours.

By Askia VanOmmeren