UNCA's Fourth Annual Bulldog Day A Success;
Hundreds of Students Work on 27 Community Projects

Donning work gloves and old boots, UNC Asheville freshmen fanned out into the Asheville community for a massive community work day Aug. 14. Led by more than 100 faculty, staff and upperclass students, some 500 UNCA freshmen lent a hand to 27 community organizations. Teams were seen everywhere from the Thompson Street Greenway to Manna Food Bank, bringing strong backs and youthful energy to labor-intensive jobs that make a difference to the Asheville community.

This is the fourth year the university has made Bulldog Day: A Time of Service a key part of its four-day new student orientation program. In Chancellor Jim Mullen’s opening remarks at the event kickoff, he urged the students to buy into the ethic of service promoted on campus. "Today is the first day you’ll give service to our community as UNCA students, let it not be the last. Let’s make a difference today and every day we’re part of the UNCA community," he said.

And they did make a difference. Students at Claxton Elementary school worked on writing exercises with second graders, helped art students work on their first assignment and prepared the kindergarten’s garden plot for fall planting.

Pat Poe, Claxton Elementary assistant principal, was excited that college students were there to help out. "While our students enjoy working with community volunteers of all ages, they seem to especially enjoy the young adults," Poe said. "We’ve worked with UNCA students in various other capacities and have always been impressed with the high caliber of excellence they bring with them. We’re very happy to be participating in Bulldog Day."

Another team working at Catholic Social Services washed windows, moved furniture and assisted with yard work. Sister Marie Frechette, director, beamed as she helped students make the space more inviting. "Not only is this a great opportunity for the new students to know us and for us to get to know them, but it is also an excellent way to make our offices more inviting for our clients," she said. "UNCA students are helping us change lives."

While the projects varied, participants were pretty unanimous about the outcome.

"I’m having a good time meeting the other freshmen, and it feels really good to help out in the community," said Spencer Witte, a freshman from South Nyack, N.Y. Freshman Courtney Robbins from Black Mountain agreed, saying "Bulldog Day is a great way to get students involved in community service from the start of their days at UNCA."

Jeannie Johnson, a UNCA senior who served as Bulldog Day student coordinator, said it was hard to tell who was more enthusiastic about this endeavor, the students or the agencies.

"It was a fabulous opportunity for new students to interact with faculty and staff outside the classroom while giving back to the community which has given so much to UNCA," she said.

Media Contacts:

• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information assistant, 828/251-6526