PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Philadelphia University has enjoyed a highly successful year when it comes to being active in the community. Under the leadership of compliance officer and community engagement coordinator, Steph Spada, the Rams have taken part in numerous activities on campus and beyond. Below is a list of what PhilaU has taken part in thus far in 2010-11.
Philadelphia University Community Engagement Activities
A. Men’s tennis: The team volunteered to help with tennis instruction for underprivileged children in the East Falls Community at Arthur Ashe
Volunteer clean-up of facilities at Arthur Ashe
B. Women’s soccer: Raised money for breast cancer awareness by selling pink t-shirts at their homecoming game in October
Trained the under 12 Roxborough Indians soccer team and invited them on campus to watch one of their games
Participated as a team in the National Brain Tumor walk on 11/7
C. Golf: Improved facilities by volunteering to clean up and paint at a local community golf course, Walnut Lane Golf Course
Volunteered for the “First Tee” program at Walnut Lane golf course to help promote golf and give instruction to underprivileged children in the local community.
D. Women’s Crew: Volunteered at the Philadelphia Marathon
E. Men’s Crew: Volunteered at the Schuylkill Regatta
F. Baseball: Volunteered at Campbell’s field in Camden, NJ in the 1st Annual Wiffle Ball Classic. Members of the team served as official umpires for the event that helped raise funds for Access Sports, an organization that provides underprivileged children tickets to professional sporting events in the area.
Volunteered for the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Volunteered at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “Walk to Cure Diabetes” on Sunday, October 24th.
Worked at a local farm called “Henry Got Crops.” This local organization provides food for the local community as well as an educational opportunity for students at Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences. The farm provides organic produce to the local community as well as teaches the community and the high school students about organic farming.
G. Softball: Volunteered at local malls over the Christmas Holiday to help wrap presents
H. Women’s Tennis: Volunteered at the local YMCA
Worked with the Women’s Resource Committee for awareness on domestic violence and abuse for the “clothesline project.”
Volunteered at the homeless shelter, Brother’s Place, in Roxborough
Worked on the Aids quilt with BSU and WRC for AIDS and HIV awareness.
I. Men’s and Women’s Cross Country: Volunteered at the 25th Annual Schuylkill River Run Loop
Volunteered at the “RAM RUN” to raise funds for Make A Wish and to clean up the town of Roxborough
J. Women’s Basketball: Volunteered to help teach a kindergarten and first grade class at a local catholic grade school, Holy Child. The team specifically focused on developing reading and comprehension skills with the students.
Hosted the Towamencin Township Youth Girls’ Basketball Association (12 and younger) on campus. The association played a basketball game on campus and later met with the Philadelphia University women’s basketball team.
Invited the St. Bridget’s, a local catholic grade school, CYO girls’ basketball team (8th grade and younger) on campus to watch a game and meet the players.
Helped host an Ocean City Youth Boys’ Basketball “fun day” where the youth organization (12 and under) played a game in conjunction with our men’s basketball alumni game
Hosted the annual “Have Your Birthday Party at Philadelphia University” with the Women’s Basketball Team. This community engagement event is available to students 12 and under. We have hosted this event twice and the third event is scheduled for April 17, 2011.
K. Philadelphia University Community Night (January 27, 2011)
Philadelphia University “Salutes Those who Do”
Community recognition
Open house reception in the Gallagher Athletic Center Hospitality Suite to recognize organizations and people who are making a difference in the Philadelphia University community
Below are the names of some of the organizations that were in attendance:
Access Sports
Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program
Thomas Mifflin School
Philadelphia University Volunteer for B.B.B.S. Program
East Falls Historical Society
East Falls Sports Association
East Falls Tree Tenders
East Falls Historical Association
Friends of Inn Yard Park
Habitat for Humanity-Philadelphia
Mercy Vocational School
Northern Home for Children
Salvation Army Kroc Center
St. Bridget’s C.A.R.E.S. program
