Students Services and DOVE Host Community Service Event

 At Seton Hall University, service is embedded in our goal to develop community members in mind, heart, and spirit. Each year, over 3,000 Seton Hall community members contribute more than 50,000 hours to community service initiatives. This commitment goes beyond volunteering; it aligns with our Catholic mission to develop compassionate individuals rooted in faith and action.

On Friday, November 1, the Division of Student Services partnered with the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) to host a professional development event highlighting community service. Research shows the positive impact of community service on personal well-being, mental health, and professional success. National studies indicate that organizations that foster volunteerism among employees see increased job satisfaction, stronger teamwork, and enhanced mental wellness.

Associate Director Amanda Cavanagh '16 presented DOVE's mission to raise the community's awareness of social injustice by directly serving others. She highlighted DOVE projects, trips, and other initiatives that provide an opportunity for students, alums, faculty, and staff to serve others each year. Programs range from weekly visits to a local soup kitchen to trips to orphanages and other facilities in Haiti, El Salvador, and other locations around the globe. This holiday season, DOVE is coordinating their annual Love Thy Neighbor Toy Drive to collect upwards of 1,500 toys for children in need. 

Students and Community Service

During the event, Winston Roberts, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Engagement, moderated a panel to learn more about student motivation and experience with community service. Student participants included Scott Martin, Dannell Smith, Jessenia Lugo, Michail Savtchouk, Angela Alvarez, Ami'yannah Davis, and James (Jimmy) Tomredle.

Sophomore Jimmy Tomredle described what community service means to him, "To me, community service means giving my time and effort to help others and positively impact a community or person. Community service is about understanding the needs of those around me and trying to support them in ways that make a difference."

Senior Scott Martin shared the importance of community service in his

extracurricular activities, "Community Service is everything to me. I am the President of Alpha Phi Omega at Seton Hall University, and we are a service fraternity. All members are required to complete 20 hours of service every semester, and being in this organization has changed my life."

Senior Jessenia Lugo's connection to community service focuses on social justice, "For me, community service means [being] a voice for the voiceless and advocating for a culture of compassion by fostering diversity and inclusion for all."
Students also reflected on meaningful community service projects that had a positive impact on them during their time at Seton Hall.

Junior Michail Savtchouk shared, "The DOVE Kensington, Philadelphia Mission Trip was my favorite service project because it taught me to truly embrace compassion and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through this experience, I learned to see people not just as individuals in need but as deserving of love, support, and understanding."

Jessenia Lugo explained she enjoyed "volunteering with DOVE at a Pillar Group Home. I did craft activities and played games with residents who [have] developmental disabilities. My presence to those residents has impacted their psychological, social, and physical well-being. Their quality of life matters as much as everyone else's."

Jimmy Tomredle recalled his experience with the "Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry, which is located in Newark. This has been my favorite event because I love packing up bags with food and giving out food to someone who really needs it."
The panelists then imparted some words of advice for students who may be interested in seeking out community service projects at Seton Hall.

Scott Martin encouraged students to "focus on making a lasting impact, not just completing tasks or earning volunteer hours. Effective service involves understanding the deeper causes of social issues, working with local organizations, and creating solutions that benefit the community over the long term."
Jimmy Tomredle said students should "be prepared to work well with others. Be kind, build friendships, and listen to others.

Jessenia Lugo suggested, "It does not hurt to try community service; by doing community service, you are giving back to the community by eliminating barriers and disparities. Nothing is stopping you from being a servant leader. Take part in change!"
Senior Ami'yannah Davis also inspired students to "remember your efforts are always worthwhile because every act of service can leave a lasting impact."

Hands-On Community Service

A portion of the event was dedicated to completing hands-on community service projects.

Divisional members brought canned, boxed goods and new toys to support the Thanksgiving & Toy Drive for the New Jersey organization Be the Change, coordinated by Dr. Nicole Paternoster, Director of the Academic Resource Center.

Members also brought in gently used professional attire to donate to the Career Center's Pirate's Closet. This initiative offers students access to a variety of professional attire, ranging from business suits to interview-appropriate attire, at no cost.

Divisional members wrote letters of encouragement to Seton Hall students and active military (Operation Gratitude), painted rocks with motivational messages for Kindness Rocks, and assembled bags for students through the Dare to Care Program.

Brandon Larmore (Director, RISE-Student Support Services) and Anthony Turon (Assistant Dean of Students) also shared more about upcoming service opportunities, including Habitat for Humanity and donating to the KNOW MORE Christmas Tree for JBWS, a confidential service that supports survivors and family members of dating, domestic, or partner abuse.

Dr. Monica Burnette, Vice President of Student Services, closed the event by sharing appreciation for campus partners and coordinators.

"Today, we come together not just as colleagues but as contributors to a greater cause—building a stronger community both within and outside Seton Hall. Our commitment to community service builds stronger teams and helps us to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our work. We also continue to model leadership, empathy, and compassion to our students by fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all. Our efforts symbolize how service, strength, and community—our guiding themes—are interwoven. Thank you all for your time, energy, and commitment to making a difference today. Together, we are not just volunteering; we are building a community rooted in care, inclusion, and shared success."

Categories: Campus Life