Alumni of the University of Rochester will toil at locations in six major U.S. cities on Sept. 16 for a day of community service that ties school spirit with helping others.
Wilson Day USA-named for University benefactor Joseph C. Wilson and his family-will link graduates in Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as they work in their communities. Now in its second year, Wilson Day USA is expected to involve 100 alumni. Activities are organized through the efforts of the Alumni Relations and Development Office and its UR Involved program.
Bob Bartlett, associate dean of Alumni Relations and Development, expressed excitement about the nationwide interest in Wilson Day USA. "In addition to Rochester alumni, the University's many other 'relatives'-families of current students, including parents and friends-will be participating in the day of service. We're hoping to create an atmosphere of community involvement and rekindle memories of their Rochester days."
The University, which was founded 150 years ago, emphasizes the importance of community service by making Wilson Day an important component of freshman orientation each year. That provides an early opportunity for incoming students to bond with each other, their college, and the Rochester, N.Y., community. This year, more than 1,000 volunteers participated in Wilson Day activities at 60 sites on Sept. 1.
For Wilson Day USA, alumni will work from coast to coast as they paint, decorate, sort clothing, and spend time with people in need. Residents of a senior center in New York City, for example, will go on an outing in Riverside Park with volunteers while children living in a shelter in Denver will see their playground spruced up. Graduates who are interested in participating can call (800) 281-2055.
Once president and chairman of Xerox Corp., Joseph C. Wilson was an alumnus of the University and a philanthropist interested in housing, health, education, social services, and the arts.
The University of Rochester (on the Web at www.rochester.edu) is one of the smallest of the most distinguished private universities in the country. Some 3,700 undergraduates are enrolled in its College, the home of arts, sciences, and engineering programs. The University also includes the Medical Center, Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, and Warner School of Education.