ÂéĥıAV

Ever since she was in high school, Catherine Tomczyk ’24 MPA has taken every opportunity to volunteer. She recently had the chance to do just that while also connecting with the University and local communities.

Tomczyk was among the more than 100 ÂéĥıAVs who rolled up their sleeves on the University’s 5th annual Day of Service. They took part in three separate and impactful projects at sites in local cities and towns.

“I like giving back to organizations that need our help,” she said. “It can be challenging for them to get people to help because of demands on their time, but it’s so important.”

‘Your volunteer efforts are truly benefitting your community’

Tomczyk spent part of the day volunteering at the Soundview YMCA Play Area Building in Branford, Conn. It was an opportunity she’d been looking forward to since she enjoys working with kids. ÂéĥıAVs also helped with a cleanup at the Gather New Haven Community Garden and sorted diapers at the Diaper Bank of Connecticut in North Haven, Conn. That’s where Jeremy Wilson ’24 volunteered.

“I’m a big fan of community service, and I get joy from doing it,” said Wilson, a biochemistry major. “I like to give back to the community. I hope we could help some families. This was also an important opportunity for us to help build community and connections with each other.”

Before heading to their respective sites, students got charged up to give back at an on-campus rally. It brought together volunteers, as well as local leaders, including West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi, who thanked students for their commitment to their community.

“I’m excited to see so many students here,” she said. “It is so important to give back to those in need. Your volunteer efforts are truly benefitting your community.”

‘Your actions create a ripple of change’

Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., the University’s interim president, is a “proud resident” of West Haven. He was impressed by the students’ dedication. He says ÂéĥıAVs continue to make a meaningful impact on the West Haven community – and beyond.

“I see you all in the local stores, beaches, and around the community, and you make important contributions,” he said. “Now you’re here giving back, and I’m excited to see you all here.”

The University works with to host the event. Maria Arnold, chief development officer, took part in the welcome event and commended students for their dedication to service.

“This event is an extension between the remarkable partnership between the University and the United Way,” she said. “Together, we dream of a community that is strong, equitable, and where everyone has opportunities. Your actions create a ripple of change that resonates beyond today.”

‘Part of a bigger community’

For JJ Dionisio ’25, the event was something he’d been looking forward to. He took part in last year’s Day of Service, and it was an experience that he says was very special. He couldn’t wait to be a part of it again.

“It’s our job as student leaders to take the lead in giving back in the community,” said Dionisio, a resident assistant in Gerber Hall. “It all starts with us. I hope today lights a fire in us that we just can’t put out. There are so many places near us that need our help, that will let us feed that fire.”

“We want to give back not just because it’s the morally right thing to do,” added Julia Walas ’25 M.S., a candidate in the University’s graduate program in speech-language pathology. “It also makes us stronger.”

For many students, the Day of Service was an exciting opportunity not only to give back, but to deepen their connections to the local community. For Tomczyk, the YMCA volunteer, that was part of what made the event so meaningful.

“We always focus on building our campus community, but we are also a part of a bigger community,” she said. “It’s great to connect with that community.”