Before they even step foot into a classroom this fall, more than 1,000 University of Rochester freshmen will venture into the city and suburbs to volunteer at 40 of Rochester's nonprofit organizations during the 20th annual Wilson Day on Thursday, Aug. 28.
The incoming class will join faculty and staff from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations that include local schools, churches, community agencies, and neighborhoods. While some freshmen will get a glimpse of the many community service opportunities available in Rochester, others will learn about Rochester's rich history during the Urban Explorers' Wild Goose Scavenger Hunt.
University President Joel Seligman and Matthew Burns, dean of students, will start the day's activities during the kick-off breakfast at the Goergen Athletic Center. Joining them will be Theresa Guenther, an alumna, who helped establish Wilson Day in 1988, along with members of the Joseph C. Wilson Family, for whom the day is named.
"This project provides students not just with an introduction to service in Rochester, but the opportunity to develop relationships with agencies that will last long after Wilson Day," said Burns. "From the start of their college experience, we encourage students to be involved in the local community."
Wilson Day is a service-focused Freshman Orientation program for students from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering and the Eastman School of Music. Wilson Day creates connections between students and introduces them to the city of Rochester through volunteer and exploration opportunities.
About the University of Rochester The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.