Lucy Welles
liw002@marietta.edu
A swarm of sleepy college students filled the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center early Saturday morning. They stood in line at a registration table where Director of Civic Engagement, Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, greeted them, and gathered into smaller groups. When Marietta College’s iconic clock struck nine, the groups dispersed, on their way to six areas of the community in need of some help.
The annual event attracted over 100 student and faculty volunteers.
Everyone always has a good time,” Saleem-Tanner said. “It’s hard work, but the students are always happy that they did it.”
The Office of Civic Engagement works as a liaison between Marietta College and the surrounding community, with a focus on building relationships.
Daley Buckwell, a junior political science and international leadership studies double major, who served as coordinator for her second year in a row, believes that even one day has the potential to establish a meaningful relationship between a student and a community partner.
“This day is when we try to kindle relationships, and get students connected with our community partners,” Buckwell said. “Students have the chance to establish relationships across the campus as well. It makes the community realize the college is invested in the community, and we are here to help in any way we can.”
This year, groups had the option of serving at their choice of six sites. Volunteers with Marietta in Bloom planted flowers and trees in Harmar, while those at the Washington County United Way went door-to-door, collecting items for expectant mothers in need. Those at the Ely Chapman Education Foundation decorated for their upcoming book fair, and the Marietta Main Street and Betsy Mills Club groups laid mulch.
Junior advertising and public relations major Margaret Price had the chance to serve with the sixth site, Marietta Cemeteries Coming Alive, alongside members of her sorority, Sigma Kappa. The project site, led by Roger Kalter, was focused on the ongoing reconstruction of brick walls lining the Oak Grove cemetery.
“Interacting with the community members was really fun,” Price, who also volunteers at the Humane Society, said. “It was cool getting to hear all their stories about the old brick factories and the history of our city. Today I learned the difference between a road brick and a house brick!”
Buckwell is happy to see the positive response to the day’s events.
“Just taking your time to go out in the community, and coming together with others to make it better in whichever way that is, wherever you happened to serve, is an incredible thing.”
Saleem-Tanner agrees.
“Obviously we want to walk away feeling like we genuinely helped. Our community partners work so hard all year round, but just one day like today can give them that burst of energy that they need to keep creating positive change for a long time after.”
