Center for Career and Professional Development supports community initiatives

Lamar University's Center for Career and Professional Development celebrated Halloween by giving back to the community and donating supplies to AniMeals, a program designed to provide pet food for the pets of homebound seniors. This service project, chosen by Lamar's Center for Career and Professional Development, is one of the many ways the university aims to support Beaumont residents and their pets.

AniMeals was established to address a unique need: many seniors receiving Meals on Wheels were found sharing their meals with their beloved pets, often unable to afford or access pet food themselves. To ensure that both the seniors and their furry companions get the nutrition they need, local nonprofit, Nutrition & Services for Seniors (NSS), delivers pet food at no cost to clients who need it.

Lamar's Center for Career and Professional Development selects a community service initiative each semester as part of its commitment to social responsibility and student engagement. The AniMeals project, selected for its impact on both people and animals, resonated with many Lamar students, faculty, and staff.

"This cause is very close to our hearts because so many of us are pet owners ourselves," Amy Dillow, departmental marketing and special events coordinator said. "We want to support our local seniors and ensure they can focus on their own health while knowing their pets are taken care of."

The donation drive included animal food to help stock AniMeals for the season. Donations were collected on campus, with students and faculty contributing to the effort, showing Lamar's dedication to supporting vulnerable community members and their pets alike.

Adding to the Halloween festivities, students got a special visit from Lace-E, a gentle therapy dog who spent the day mingling with them and providing comfort.

The Center for Career and Professional Developments' focus on AniMeals reflects its ongoing mission to foster community partnerships and build a spirit of service among Lamar students.

"Each semester, our team chooses a service project that we believe will have a significant positive impact," Dillow said. "AniMeals provides the perfect opportunity for our students to engage with a cause that affects both animals and people in a meaningful way."

Looking forward, the Center for Career and Professional Development plans to continue selecting projects that address local needs, fostering a tradition of service, involvement, and compassion across the Lamar University community.

To learn more about the Center for Career and Professional Development, visit https://www.lamar.edu/career-and-testing-services/index.html.