Over the course of Spring Break, Waynesburg University students were given the opportunity to serve in a variety of communities. Students were given the option to serve with a team on one of four trips. Below is a brief recap of each trip:

Gettysburg National Military Park (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

From March 3 to March 11, eight Waynesburg University students worked alongside the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association to serve in the Gettysburg National Military Park. The trip was led by Rea Redd, director of the Eberly Library, librarian LV and professor, as well as Aaron Seilski, resident director. 

Students worked on various projects including building fences, sorting produce, cleaning up shrubbery from a pond, and cleaning out a barn. When students were done with service, they were able to visit various museums, learn about the history of Gettysburg and even participate in an escape room for a team building experience. By the end of the trip, students learned a great deal about serving while making friendships to last a lifetime. 

Habitat For Humanity (Concord, North Carolina)

March 5 through March 11, nine Waynesburg University students served at Habitat For Humanity in Concord, North Carolina. The trip was led by Isaiah Skeete, Waynesburg University admissions counselor and Angelica Good, resident director. 

While working with Habitat For Humanity, Waynesburg students and staff had the opportunity to build a house by installing siding, shingles, ramps and doors. Students were also given the opportunity to serve in the Habitat Restore center by unpacking boxes, cleaning, pricing and moving things from the warehouse onto the sales floor. 

Not only did serving build students bonds but free time activities like shopping, touring the town and visiting the Charlotte International Speedway, let students fellowship together through various activities. Senior Human Service Major Mackenzie McIntyre talked about how fellowship enlightened the serving experience.

“All of that being said, because the wonderful people from Habitat loved us so well, the love and dedication that we put into doing the work was magnified,” said McIntyre. “…I wholeheartedly believe that the house was built by love, and I sincerely hope that when people see it, it is a constant reminder to love well. 

The Philadelphia Project (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

From March 3 to March 8, Waynesburg University Chaplain Joshua Sumpter and Secretary Mary Woessner led eight students on a service trip to Philadelphia. While in the “City of Brotherly Love,” Sumpter, Woessner and students worked alongside a local non-profit organization known as The Philadelphia Project.

During the trip, students worked in one of The Philadelphia Project’s partner churches painting walls, building stairs, creating skirting around a sound booth, cleaning out closets and getting rid of old, heavy equipment. In the evenings, students would find fellowship with one another, The Philadelphia Project staff and Grove City students through a variety of games and worship services. 

Urban Impact (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

From March 6 to March 10, 19 first-year Waynesburg University Bonner Scholars took a trip to Urban Impact in Pittsburgh. The trip was led by Avery White, assistant director for the center for service leadership and bonner scholars program. 

Students worked inside one of the Urban Impact facilities tearing up carpet and tile as well as completing other projects within the same building. Every day students were also given the opportunity to participate in worship. When students were done with service, they got to tour the city, participate in scavenger hunts and visit the Duquesne Incline.