Mount St. Mary's University Hosts Community Meal, Serving Over 160 Local Residents

Community Meal at Mount St. Mary's University

On the evening of September 10, Mount St. Mary's University took significant strides in community engagement by hosting the Emmitsburg Neighborhood Meal, where students, faculty, and staff worked in unison with local residents. This collaborative effort provided over 160 meals to those attending, showcasing the university's longstanding commitment to outreach and service.

More than 60 enthusiastic volunteers participated in this initiative, many of whom were students from the university's lacrosse team, faculty members, and students spanning all academic years. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with laughter and conversation as volunteers partnered with guests to share a meal, reflecting the university's values of fellowship and community.

Mayor Frank Davis of Emmitsburg echoed the sentiments of gratitude for the continuous support and partnership demonstrated by Mount St. Mary’s community. He emphasized how such events not only provide essential services but also strengthen the bonds between the town and the university. "This event demonstrates how service and hospitality strengthen the bonds between the university and the town," he remarked during his speech.

The Emmitsburg Neighborhood Meal is part of Mount St. Mary’s comprehensive programs aimed at fostering meaningful relationships through acts of service and engagement. The university's Center for Service plays a pivotal role in this mission, creating beneficial relationships between students, faculty, staff, and the community.

This ongoing volunteer initiative allows students to immerse themselves in real-world service experiences, through leadership programs, weekly service activities, and immersion trips. Notably, faculty leverage their expertise to conduct community-focused research and collaborate with local partners to provide experiential learning opportunities.

The community members are also invited to engage in various educational endeavors, including participating in research projects and teaching initiatives. This reciprocal involvement exemplifies the university's dedication to ensuring that both students and community residents benefit from their partnerships.

Mount St. Mary’s University is a revered institution known for its liberal arts education nestled near the picturesque Catoctin Mountains in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland. With a broad spectrum of over 70 undergraduate majors and more than 20 adult undergraduate and graduate programs, the university continuously strives to provide quality education and engage with the community in meaningful ways.

In summary, the Emmitsburg Neighborhood Meal represents a profound example of how educational institutions can connect and give back to their surrounding communities. It serves as a reminder of the positive impacts of community service and the importance of nurturing local bonds, reinforcing the community spirit that defines Mount St. Mary's University.