Ever experience that sense of community and belonging? It is not uncommon for that feeling to be established after donating one’s time and services for the betterment of the community. Year after year Kean University demonstrates that it is no stranger to community service. In fact, the university makes it a point to teach its students that it is not all about hitting the books while in college, but they also encourage students to volunteer.

The clubs and organizations that make up Kean University provide countless community service outings throughout the semester, and for the past five years the university has gained national recognition for its dedication to bettering the community. On a 12-month basis, Kean University has the opportunity to be awarded the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. In 2014, the university succeeded once again in obtaining the prestigious award after its students volunteered 34,000 hours of their time to the community. April 12, 2015 through April 18, 2015 marks National Volunteer Week and there are plenty of opportunities provided by the university for students to become a part of something bigger.

Wishing to continue exhibiting philanthropy during Volunteer Week, Kean University will be the hub of volunteers. On Friday, April 10, 2015, Student Organization will be hosting Relay For Life from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. This all-night charity event will take place in Harwood Arena. For more information on Relay For Life, click here.

For those community service hungry individuals out there, the center for leadership and service (CLS) is feeding that hunger several ways on Saturday, April 11, 2015. By hosting Cougars That Care: A Kean University Day of Service, the CLS is acknowledging National Volunteer Week and wishes to kick it off successfully. Throughout the day there is scheduled to be various community service projects underway. A few of the volunteer opportunities include Habitat for Humanity, Atria Senior Living, Adopt-A-Park, and more. More information on Cougars That Care can be found here.

Whether for one day or periodically throughout the week, volunteer some time because although it may appear minuscule, the lives of the individuals on the receiving end of volunteerism have improved, and they are grateful for Kean University cougars.