25 years: How USF students are honoring 9/11 through service

By Savannah Ruiz, University Communications and Marketing intern [Photos by Savannah Ruiz and Bryan Stark, USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement]

This year marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks when nearly 3,000 people were killed after hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon and a fourth plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks also claimed the lives of hundreds of first responders who rushed to help.

To honor those who lost their lives - as well as the heroes and survivors of 9/11 - USF students participated in the 9/11 Week of Service, a week-long Stampede of Service event organized by the USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement.

STUDENTS COMMEMORATE THROUGH ACTION

The USF 9/11 Week of Service began with an exposition that featured various student organizations and community partners. There, students registered for volunteer opportunities that allowed them to serve their communities while honoring those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks.

For Mitch Jean-Mary, a USF biology major and volunteer with USF Partners in Health Engage, a nonprofit focused on global health equity, participating in the Week of Service was a meaningful way to commemorate 9/11 while helping those in need.

As part of the Week of Service, students participated in several hands-on volunteer opportunities throughout Tampa Bay.
Students joined Feeding Tampa Bay's Causeway Center in Brandon where they sorted perishable and nonperishable food. They also distributed hot meals to community members through the University Area Community Development Corp.

Many of the week's activities are taking place on Sept. 11, also known as Patriot Day, a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Students participated in a cleanup at Copeland Park, volunteered in the community garden at Harvest Hope Park and served as support staff for a 9/11 Day meal-packing event at Benchmark International Arena, helping package meals for local community partners.

"Because 9/11 was such a traumatic event, it is important for people to come together and help their communities," said USF accounting major Tina Nguyen. "Through organizations like Earthusiast, we also try to raise awareness about ways people can help the environment and make a positive impact."

Those opportunities for reflection and community involvement are at the heart of the Week of Service, according to Bryan Stark, student development coordinator with the USF Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement.

"Through teamwork, reflection and meaningful service, this week-long event allows students to discover meaningful ways to get involved, serve others and create positive change together with fellow USF Bulls," Stark said.