Hempstead, NY – Throughout the 2016-17 academic year, Hofstra University student-athletes dedicated themselves to serving others. Between Hofstra’s 17 athletic teams and more than 300 student-athletes, the Pride took part in 55 community service projects, and totaled nearly 3,000 hours of service.
This past spring, Hofstra’s student-athletes took part in the following projects:
Reading With Pride
Several student-athletes took a trip to a local elementary school on March 2 in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Students went into different classrooms and read their favorite Dr. Seuss books to the children, while explaining the importance of reading and staying focused on their academics. Student-athletes also shared stories about their college experiences.
Big Brothers Big Sister of Long Island
Throughout the spring semester, several Pride athletics teams (men’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer) hosted clinics for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. Alan Hetherington, a member of the men’s cross country team, concluded his third year as a volunteer for the program, serving as a “big” to a “little” each Wednesday throughout the year.
Campus Connection Group
This semester the men’s lacrosse team and coaching staff hosted a clinic for young adults with autism and other intellectual/development disabilities in the Hofstra Bubble. This group also worked with the women’s basketball team for a second consecutive semester. During their visits to campus they were able to practice with both teams.
California Avenue Elementary School
The California Avenue Elementary School runs a behavioral modification program called the Green Light Program. In this program they look to expose their students to different sports. The women’s basketball team hosted a clinic at California Avenue Elementary along with holding a session here on campus. Other teams, including men’s basketball, field hockey and men’s lacrosse, had a chance to work with the group and teach them new skills and techniques about their individual sports as well.
Pride Paint and Plant
Members of the field hockey and wrestling teams volunteered their time with the Office of Community Student Services and Community Outreach. Together they went into the community and planted marigolds and painted the fences of our community neighbors.
Ruff House Rescue
The volleyball team volunteered some of their time this past semester at the Ruff House Rescue in Freeport. They assisted in walking dogs and cleaning the shelter to provide a safe environment for all the animals.
Yards for Yeardley
This year the Pride held its annual Yards for Yeardley event and partnered up with Hofstra University Student Advocacy & Prevention Awareness and Title IX. With the help of the Hofstra community, we exceeded our goal of 1 million yards walked or run to raise awareness about relationship violence and the One Love Foundation.
Featured community service projects during the fall 2016 semester included working with the Glen Cove Day Care Center, the CAA Blood Drive Challenge in which Hofstra finished second, the Winthrop Hospital Cancer Center for Kids Fun Run, Holiday donations to the Winthrop Hospital Pediatric Unit, Holiday Magic, The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach and the Long Island Children’s Museum Ghostly Gala.
Throughout the 2016-17 year, Hofstra Athletics partnered with nearly 50 groups and organizations as part of its community service outreach.
Story courtesy of: http://gohofstra.com/