People and Community

Students Give Back during National Gandhi Day of Service

Nearly 900 students volunteered at more than 30 sites during UM’s largest service day of the year.
Students Give Back during National Gandhi Day of Service

In the true spirit of service above self, nearly 900 University of Miami students participated in the National Gandhi Day of Service on October 3, volunteering at more than 30 Miami-Dade sites such as Kristi House, Miami-Dade Animal Services, and Virginia Key Beach Park. In all, students contributed more than 5,500 hours of community service to the South Florida community.

“I loved the excitement and energy felt the morning of Gandhi Day as everyone came together to serve the community,” said UM senior Saskia Groenewald. “Service shaped my undergraduate experience, and it all started with Gandhi Day.”

On the morning of the event, UM’s first lady, Dr. Felicia Knaul, joined Vice President for Student Affairs Pat Whitely in welcoming students at the UC Rock before they headed out to their volunteer sites.

Sponsored by the William R. Butler Center for Volunteer Service and Leadership Development, the event is UM’s largest service day of the year and honors the legacy of the late Mahatma Gandhi, who led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.