Adelphi University Freshmen Give Back to the Community and Receive Honors from President Barack Obama

Garden City, NY
September 10, 2009

Adelphi University extends gratitude and congratulations to 40 incoming freshmen who committed a portion of their last week of summer vacation, from Sunday, August 23 to Wednesday, August 26, 2009, to participate in Adelphi University’s Freshman Community Action Program (FCAP), which allows students to engage in various community service projects and work with a number of organizations in the immediate area. The students’ efforts were recognized by Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne Hall, who invited them to a Colombian dinner at Mi Tierrita Restaurant. The group received further recognition at a community breakfast on Thursday, August 27, and all were delighted to hear Diana O’Neil of Long Island Volunteers announce that each student was the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a distinction awarded to just one other Long Island organization this year. All were given a commemorative pin and certificate, and will be receiving a letter signed by President Barack Obama by mail.

Groups such as the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, Momma’s House, and the Village of Hempstead, all benefited from the students’ involvement. They assisted in a number of ways, including painting, cleaning, assisting the elderly, creating a rock garden, and more.

The community breakfast on August 27 concluded the program. Students and their families, members of the community, and representatives from partnering organizations gathered to recognize the hard work put forth. FCAP leaders Laura Grodin ’10 and Daphney Pierre ’10, who have participated for four years, delivered speeches detailing the accomplishments of the group, as well as what they have gained from the program. Ms. Pierre summed up the importance of volunteerism with a quote by Sir Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give,” which is also the mantra of the program.

Associate Dean of Student Affairs Della Hudson was also warmly acknowledged by nearly every speaker, as they cited her inspiring work and personal commitment to service. She then expressed her own pride in the group of incoming freshmen, addressing them with the greatest respect and highest hopes.

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is an on-campus resource devoted to encouraging co-curricular activity and leadership development in the student body. For more information, please visit http://students.adelphi.edu/sa/csi/.

FCAP participants, coordinators, and organization representatives take center stage in front of proud parents and community members.

Group leaders Laura Grodin ’10 and Daphney Pierre ’10 happily reflect on four years of service together.

The 2009 FCAP leaders stand proud after a busy week of community involvement.

Diana O’Neil of Long Island Volunteers announces the names of the President’s Volunteer Service Award recipients.

A group reconnects for a photo-op during the community breakfast.

About Adelphi University: Adelphi University, chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for the liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs—The College of Arts and Sciences, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Honors College, Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work—the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls nearly 8,500 students from 41 states and 63 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.


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