Columbus State marks 60th anniversary with Day of Service

Campus News | Friday, October 6, 2023

Day of Service 2023

Continuing a tradition launched 10 years ago, Columbus State Community College held its annual Day of Service on Oct. 3 in recognition of the institution’s inaugural classes this week in history in 1963.

Day of Service volunteers organized and improved the St. Vincent Family Services space that supports the behavioral health of children and families in the central Ohio region.

While much has changed over the past 60 years, Columbus State’s commitment to serving the community has remained constant. That’s why Day of Service was created in 2013 as a 50th anniversary event and has remained a tradition ever since.

Day of Service over the years has contributed nearly 10,000 volunteer hours to hundreds of central Ohio nonprofit organizations, enabling students, faculty and staff to make meaningful connections through service during a dedicated school/workday. Hearkening back to the 1960s era, the 2023 theme of “Peace, Love & Service” incorporates retro design imagery invoking hopefulness for the future.

“Taking a day to give back to the central Ohio community, that so consistently supports Columbus State, feels good for everyone affiliated with the college,” said Flo Plagenz, Day of Service chair and director of Columbus State’s Languages & Communications departments. “It’s a great way for our students to get involved in worthwhile causes that may be new to them, as part of a well-rounded education. I’m proud Columbus State remains committed to an annual Day of Service as part of every academic year.”

“We’re rolling up our sleeves and working in the community,” said President David Harrison. “Columbus State serves the community every day, but having one day where we’re really focused on that, and making it intentional and doing it together, is really powerful.”

“We’re a team of eight, so the work that we do can’t happen without volunteers. Having the Day of Service from students, it really helps us move our mission forward,” said Arica Morgan, director of programs at Dress for Success. Columbus State student ambassadors worked to help sort and display donated professional apparel at the nonprofit’s store space, that supports women in need of workplace-appropriate wardrobe items.

“Knowing that what I’m doing is going to help somebody tomorrow, I just feel happy because of that. It makes my day,” said Zvipo Mupawayenda, a nursing student volunteering at Dress for Success.

“As you can see from the trash that was picked up, it's needed in our community,” said Sawaun Blakely, Equitas Health volunteer manager from its Long Street location near the college’s downtown campus. This is not a one-time thing that we’re doing; we want this to get bigger than what it is today.” The health care provider is working with Columbus State on quarterly volunteer support in the King-Lincoln neighborhood of the city.

Columbus State President David Harrison, right, engages with Habiba Bankston, executive director of Dress for Success Columbus, during Day of Service volunteerism with Student Engagement and Inclusion student ambassadors at the nonprofit, which supports women in need of workplace-appropriate attire.

Volunteers from Columbus State's Social Work and Human Services program spent their Day of Service with LSS Faith Mission sorting donated items and serving lunch in support of homeless clients working with the nonprofit to stabilize their lives.

Columbus State students worked at the Long Street Equitas Health location to tidy up the surrounding neighborhood during Day of Service. The college and Equitas Health are engaging in quarterly volunteer service supporting the neighborhood bordering downtown campus.

A large Day of Service volunteer group took to Franklin Park for cleanup and beautification chores.

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