NSU Horizons Fall 2006

horizons 13 Byrd is president of the Environmental and Public Interest law societies in the Shepard Broad Law Center. This year, he and 50 other law students participated in the Public Interest Law Society’s annual clean-up of John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach. Volunteers removed debris from the beach and planted sea oats, sea grapes, and sable palms to help curb beach erosion. “I always look forward to getting out into the community and experiencing new natural spaces,” said Byrd, who plans to practice public interest law—preferably specializing in the environment—after graduation. “I was definitely happy to go out there with a group of young people who were willing to help. It’s gratifying at the end of the day to see the impact of all that you did. It just feels good.” Recognizing the importance of community service, the Division of Student Affairs announced last year that Project Student Enrichment Reinforced through Volunteer Experiences (Project SERVE) now requires all 61 undergradu- ate student organizations to complete 20 hours of community service each academic year to maintain charter status. The annual “Beach Clean Up” at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, for example, is part of the Shepard Broad Law Center’s Orientation Program. Participation automatically enrolls students in NSU Law’s Pro Bono Honor Program. The event concurrently educates students about the role of public service attorneys and makes them aware of critically unmet needs in their communities. Jennifer Bowman, M.A., graduate assistant for the Office of Volunteerism, passionately promotes the project to student groups and their campus advisers. Bowman helps student groups meet their required hours by keeping students throughout the university informed of upcoming events and by assisting them with logistical issues as they arise. Her office also sponsors a variety of events. A popular event is “Into the Streets,” which serves as the office’s volunteerism kick-off. It is designed to connect incoming NSU students to their new community by introducing them to peers with like-minded interests. In previous years, students volunteered at the Cooperative Feeding Program, Meadowbrook Academy, and John U. Lloyd State Park as a way to dive into community service at the start of the school year. During Alternative Spring Break, students dedicate an entire week to volunteering at several nonprofit events, includ- ing the Special Olympics, Cooperative Feeding Program, Harbor Beach Nursing Home, or Habitat for Humanity. In December, the Office of Volunteerism participates with residents from the Harbor Beach Nursing Home and Sunrise Health Nursing Home in what is known as the Senior Prom. Volunteers dress-up in formal attire and pick-up their “senior dates,” who have been complimentarily pampered by a local cosmetology school, for an evening of fun, food, and dancing at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel. An Annual Volunteer Fair attracts about 30 organiza- tions, including Women in Distress, the American Cancer Society, and the American Diabetes Association, all offering students an opportunity to sign-up for upcoming community service events. Heather Clark, B.S., class of 2006, said, “The Volunteer Fair allowed me to see the vast opportunities that the university had to offer students who were looking to become involved in the community. Because of it, I was able to immerse myself into volunteer efforts through school.” For those who give of themselves, the rewards are endless. Community service continues to give NSU stu- dent-volunteers a chance to gain incomparable social and cultural experiences, discover new life skills, and develop meaningful relationships. Volunteers strengthen our com- munity by positively impacting the lives and landscapes that too often go ignored and further motivate others to do the same. Stephanie Repaci is concurrently completing a B.A. in Communication Studies and B.S. in Business Administration.