UMR Hosts First Annual Community Day of Service to Celebrate and Support Rochester

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is proud to announce its inaugural Community Day of Service, a campus-wide initiative dedicated to giving back to the Rochester community that has supported UMR so generously over the years.

On Saturday, September 27 UMR students, faculty and staff will come together and then disperse across the city to engage in meaningful service projects. From crafting fleece blankets for families at the Ronald McDonald House to removing invasive buckthorn at Quarry Hill Nature Center, volunteers will contribute time, energy and heart to a wide range of local organizations. As volunteers spread out across Rochester, keep an eye out for clusters of maroon UMR shirts worn proudly by those participating in the Day of Service. It’s a visible reminder of our shared commitment to community, compassion and connection.

"UMR’s Community Day of Service is more than a day of volunteering, it’s a powerful expression of gratitude and partnership,” said Bridget Tetteh-Betsa, Director of Community Engagement and Career Development. “By stepping into service together, our students, faculty and staff are not only giving back to the Rochester community, they’re building lasting connections, deepening civic responsibility and learning what it truly means to lead with heart.”

The purpose of UMR’s Community Day of Service is to:

• Connect students with meaningful service and community-based learning
• Promote civic engagement and leadership
• Strengthen relationships between community partners and UMR

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Ronald McDonald House: Create goodie bags, cards and fleece blankets to support families with hospitalized children.
• Dog Rescue Organizations: Make DIY dog chew toys using recycled t-shirts.
• The Landing: Support guests experiencing homelessness through bingo, administrative help and donation organization.
• Quarry Hill Nature Center: Celebrate National Public Lands Day by removing invasive buckthorn to protect native ecosystems.
• Channel One Food Bank: Help harvest vegetables and clean up a partner garden to support food access across the region.
• Family Service Rochester: Assist with indoor cleaning and outdoor chores to support family stability and senior independence.
• Rochester Art Center: Provide Creative Studio support and help prepare for Free Family Day, fostering community through art.
• The Village Agriculture Cooperative: Work on compost management to promote sustainable agriculture and nourish local communities.