Animal Planet host Jeff Corwin will kick off the 2010 Freshman Day of Service Sept. 11.
More than 1,800 GW students have signed up to participate in the university’s 2010 Freshman Day of Service on Sept. 11. Following the theme of sustainability and environmental protection, students will clean rivers, plant trees and participate in other related projects around the District.
Registration for Freshman Day of Service will close at midnight Sept.7.
The day will open in the Charles E. Smith Center at 11:30 a.m. with Animal Planet host and leading conservationist Jeff Corwin. The Emmy Award-winner will speak about the importance of environmental sustainability and how everyone—including GW students—can play a role.
“In my years of advocating for environmental sustainability, I have found that education and awareness about our world’s perils is essential in order for us to take action,” says Mr. Corwin. “I'm particularly looking forward to speaking at the George Washington University, as it has earned the reputation of being an institution devoted to sustainability.”
Freshmen Service Coordinator Shannon Donahue says planning for the daylong event began last winter. “Many students were raised in culture of volunteerism and were drawn to GW because of its innumerable service opportunities,” says Ms. Donahue. “Freshman Day of Service provides incoming students a chance to give back to their new community and make a difference early on in their GW career. We are excited and ready for what will be largest service event in GW’s history!”
Last year, more than 1,200 GW freshmen volunteered for the university’s inaugural Day of Service.
Amy B. Cohen, executive director of GW’s Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service, says GW attracts people who want to make a difference in the world.
“Freshman Day of Service introduces students to our neighbors in the District of Columbia and metropolitan region and kicks off the school year with the kind of real-world experiences that, combined with rigorous academics, are a hallmark of the culture of service at GW,” says Ms. Cohen. “This sets a course toward working together for academic achievement, civic engagement and community enhancement.”
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