Mayor Megan Barry Sends 2,000 New Belmont Students into Nashville to ‘SERVE’
Belmont’s newest Bruins spent the day before classes began for the fall semester serving their new hometown as part of SERVE, the University’s annual orientation service event. More than 2,000 freshmen and transfer students loaded buses across campus and spent the afternoon serving at Nashville public schools and a number of nonprofit organizations across the city including The Red Cross, Project C.U.R.E. and Cottage Cove Ministries, among others.
Mayor Barry addressed the group, highlighting their ability to influence the community in the coming years. “When you see the eclipse, you are reminded just how little you are in the cosmos. But you need to think about what you can do with what you have here at Belmont. I have five words for you: Don’t be small. Be big. You have a chance to really impact this place over the next four years,” she said. Further emphasizing Fisher’s challenge to always consider others, she went on. “I have a quote in my office that says, ‘Power is about waking up every day and having a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.’”
As an institution committed to service, students at Belmont are challenged to engage and transform the world throughout their time on campus and beyond.
Freshman public relations major and SERVE participant Calista Ginn said the opportunity to serve alongside her fellow new students was an exciting way to learn more about her new home while doing good. “Serving is a great way to assimilate to the community and Nashville, especially for those of us who aren’t from around here,” she said. While serving at Cottage Cove, Ginn and her team completed many projects including cleaning the organization’s facility and bus, sorting donated items, painting and finishing landscaping work.
SERVE has partnered with Cottage Cove for many years and the organization’s Executive Director Brent MacDonald said Belmont students provide significant support for his team throughout the school year. “We’ve loved our partnership with Belmont for years,” he said. “We only have four staff members across two locations, so all our Belmont volunteers and work study students are a big help.”
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Mayor Megan Barry Sends 2,000 New Belmont Students into Nashville to ‘SERVE’