Freshmen Orientation 2010 Features Community Service and a Call to Become Involved

Service day photos.

Caldwell College freshmen volunteering at Our Lady Help of Christians School in East Orange, NJ.

Caldwell College freshmen started their college careers with a day of community service, a barbeque at the President’s house, a formal convocation and four days filled with activities.

Nearly 200 freshmen spent Saturday August 28 volunteering at non-profits and community agencies.

Freshman David Reeth of Vernon, NJ volunteered at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, New Jersey. He said the service day was a great way “to meet other students.”

Rahat Merchant of Weehawken, New Jersey joined a team that helped in setting up and painting classrooms at St. Mary’s Academy in Rutherford. She said it was wonderful to enter (college) doing volunteer work, since one of the priorities at Caldwell College is service. Naomi des Lauriers of Glen Ridge was part of a group of students who played games and hosted a barbeque for senior citizens at Marian Manor in Caldwell. She said it gave her great joy to see the elderly so happy.

Other residential and commuter students planted and did yard work at Our Lady Help of Christians School in East Orange, NJ; took part in a campus cleanup at the college; assisted with school preparation for the Pre-K at Aquinas Academy in Livingston, NJ; and distributed Back to School back packs for inner city youngsters in Jersey City.

Before heading out to volunteer, the students heard from Kimberly Hayes, a class of 2009 Caldwell alum, who shared how spending four years involved in various community service activities enriched her college life. Hayes, who is an Art Teacher at St. Mary’s in Rutherford, encouraged the young people who felt called to leadership to use those leadership skills in service to others. She told the students no matter what they are doing, even if it is small task, to think of the big picture, which is serving others and the bigger picture which is serving God.

Later that evening, the students were treated to a barbeque at President Dr. Nancy Blattner’s house. Reeth said “it was very impressive,” and a great way to meet other students and faculty.

On Sunday at convocation, the freshmen were formally welcomed into the College community. They heard an inspiring talk from Student Government President Bishrut Tapa who told them that “ Today is a very special day for all of you as you embark upon your college career here at Caldwell, a career that is going to be full of adventures, opportunities, happiness, friendships, challenges and excitements. “ He encouraged them to get involved on campus. “Caldwell College has provided its students with endless opportunities and resources to grow,” he said. “For you, today is the day to begin exploring these resources and make the best out of them.”