Students and Service

In an effort to increase the visibility of community service and encourage students to serve in their communities, the Office of Student Life hosted Reynolds Serves RVA events this week on the Parham Road and Downtown campuses.  Reynolds Serves RVA was originally called Service Day, an event that has not been held in the past few years.

The first Reynolds Serves RVA event was held on the Parham Road Campus on Wednesday, October 15.  Several non-profit organizations were in attendance including HandsOn Greater Richmond, the Central Virginia Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Bark, and The League of Women Voters - all very important, large, and selfless organizations that have served the communities of Richmond and the surrounding counties for years.

As soon as students entered Burnette Hall on Wednesday, a vibrant and engaging atmosphere immediately drew them in. A DJ played a variety of contemporary music for their enjoyment, whether they were taking part in the event or simply socializing with their peers at a table by the café. Representatives from the non-profits were friendly and informative providing interested attendees with information on the plethora of volunteer activities and positions their organization offered.

In order to encourage students to gather information and explore all the non-profits in attendance, Student Life offered students ice cream with various toppings for stopping at each exhibit and obtaining a signature. Student Life also hosted a table of their own to promote the many upcoming events this semester, and handed out popcorn to all students attending.

Community service is recognized as a very important venture here at Reynolds Community College, and as such students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to be involved in their own communities and give back. The Reynolds community has historically been active in a variety of service projects, philanthropy endeavors, and drives for food, clothing, and various supplies.

A second session of Reynolds Serves RVA took place on October 16 at the Downtown Campus. If any students are interested in serving their communities, being involved in a service club, or taking part in a service project they can contact The Office of Student Life at studentlife@reynolds.edu, or visit their offices on the Downtown and Parham Road campuses.

Reynolds student Dylan Chaplin - Dylan is serving as a PR Assistant as well as a Student Ambassador. He also served as the Vice-President of The H.E.A.R.T Service, which is a community service and civic engagement club designed to create connections between Reynolds and its surrounding communities. During his first two semesters at Reynolds he successfully completed the college's Leadership Program, JSR LEAD. In his spare time he likes to blog.