WCU students learn about service at 10th annual Service Learning Fair

Lane Perry, the director of the Center for Service Learning described Western Carolina University’s 10th annual Service Learning Fair as a way to ““Get to experience the community”

The fair was held on Tuesday, Jan. 27 in the University Center Grandroom, and was open to faculty, staff and students. Its purpose is to provide students information about local volunteer opportunities.

Students got the chance to see and meet the representatives from many different community organizations as they walk from table to table.

Willie Jones and Zach Rumble talking to student about volunteer services. Photo taken by Darren Blackwell

Willie Jones and Zach Rumble talking to student about volunteer services.
Photo taken by Darren Blackwell

“This is helpful for students. It gives them options,” said Jennifer Cooper, the assistant director of the Center for Service Learning.

United Christian Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Cullowhee Community Garden and many more organizations attended the fair to help students find opportunities to volunteer in their organization.

Representatives Willie Jones and Zach Rumble from WCU’s Center for Service Learning weighed in the fair importance for students.

“[It] give students array of prospective of non-profit organizations. . . it allows great skills in life,” said Jones, AmeriCorps Vista for the Center for Service Learning.

Rumble, a graduate assistant for the Center for Service Learning, added “It’s great for students to see who’s in the area of non-profit… they walk in and start talking to these organizations that could spark interest or passion for them.”

Anyone who was unable to attend the fair but would still like to volunteer can visit the Center for Service Learning in Belk 273 or contact them by telephone at 828-227-7184 or by email at servicelearning@wcu.edu. They also have a Facebook page for students to keep up with their events.