Xavier Alumni Chapters Across America Doing More to Help Communities

Jan 7, 2019

It’s time to do more.

That’s what Mike Graham, S.J., asked of us all when he launched the Together. For Others. campaign last year. For some, it means getting out and living the Xavier mission.

But how? How can alumni get out and improve their communities? How can they provide help and guidance to those who need it?

It was a question Cincinnati Alumni Chapter President Kristy Beagle (below) struggled with. Now, her chapter has created a faith and service subcommittee to organize exactly those kinds of opportunities. 

“This group will lead the way in planning different alumni service events,” says Beagle, Class of 2006. “It’s great to have a dedicated group of people committed to bringing service opportunities alive for alumni. We understand the importance of living the ‘Xavier Way,’ even after college and providing ways for alumni to give back together.” 

For the past several months, our alumni across the country have been giving back, including for Community Action Day.

“In the past, the Cincinnati Alumni Chapter has partnered with the Center for Faith and Justice and offered alumni the chance to give back on Community Action Day,” Beagle says. “Community Action Day happens in the spring and fall and gives students the opportunity to volunteer at many different spots around Cincinnati in the morning, with a lunch and reflection afterwards.”

Other chapters have been rolling up their sleeves, too: 

- In Chicago, alumni, family, current parents and friends volunteered at Feed My Starving Children packing nutritional packages. They hand-packed rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which were then sealed, boxed, placed on pallets and shipped to partners who try to feed children around the world.

- In Indianapolis, the alumni chapter celebrated Community Action Day at Holy Family Shelter of Catholic Charities. Holy Family Shelter is a 24-hour emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. They sorted incoming in-kind donations into various donation rooms, volunteered in the children's services room by spending time with youth who stay in the shelter, and worked on some outdoor cleanup projects.

- In Dayton, alumni were invited to come together for a few hours of service to celebrate Community Action Day. They participated in a garden clean-up at Wegerzyn Gardens Metropark, followed by lunch at Tank’s Bar & Grill. 

- In St. Louis, a handful of chapter members volunteered at Our Little Haven children’s home, setting up and decorating Christmas trees within their buildings (right). “Our Little Haven is a community of professional caregivers that create a safe, secure and healing environment for those impacted by abuse, neglect and mental or behavioral health needs,” says Tim Heitmann, a 2011 graduate and current president of the St. Louis chapter. “The image of Christmas trees within the buildings alone helps with this healing process as the trees bring cheer and light.

“Xavier University promotes being men and women for others and that is something that I believe each alum walks away remembering when they graduate from XU,” he says. “Giving back is important as we continue that mission.”

Soon, we’ll be ready for another Community Action Day in the spring. Make your plans now!

Community Action Day Spring 2019

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Need more information? Visit our site here.