Students, faculty join president on Campbell’s Day of Service

Campus clean ups. A daylong blood drive. Beautification and birdhouse building at a nearby community park. Letters for seniors (both the college type and those in local assisted living facilities).

These were among the several events held on Thursday - the eve of the inauguration ceremony for Campbell's sixth president, Dr. William M. Downs - on and around the University's main campus.

Several Campbell students spent much of their day taking part in beautification efforts at Coats Community Park, located six miles east of campus and a much-used spot featuring youth baseball fields, walking trails and a playground.

First-year Pharmacy student Daria Brown of Fayetteville said she signed up to be a volunteer because one of the reasons she chose Campbell University was its dedication to service to rural areas in North Carolina.

"It just makes me happy knowing that I did pick the right school, and today I picked the right activity, because I love being outside," said Brown as she and her classmates dug holes for flowering plants near the entrance of the park Thursday. "So being able to do something that I love while also helping out a local community really makes me feel good."

In addition to adding color to the park, the plants are key additions for pollinators like bees and other insects, according to Sarah Goldsmith, director of Parks & Recreation for the Town of Coats. She oversaw the Campbell students throughout the day and assisted them in building long-lasting homes for the local bluebird population.

"These homes are made of recycled material and will include predator guards to protect them. They'll be placed along the back loop trail area alongside bird feeders, all to help the wildlife biodiversity in this area," said Goldsmith, who was excited to partner with Campbell University on the projects. "We're really close to Campbell, and we would love to partner with them more. Our volunteers tend to be younger kids and Girl Scout groups, so it's nice to have a group of older students who come out here with good energy ready to help."

Earlier in the day, Campbell Librarian Jennifer Seagraves led an effort to clean up the northside of Campbell's Buies Creek campus. A group of mostly faculty joined President Downs and First Lady Kimberly Downs picking up trash and clearing natural debris.

"With the high level of daily activity and foot traffic around campus, a community-wide effort like this helps ensure that our shared spaces remain clean, enjoyable and reflective of the pride we have in Campbell," Seagraves said. "It's not just about picking up litter - it's about coming together as a community to invest in the place we call home. We're excited to be part of the Campbell Day of Service and to contribute in a way that highlights the care for our community within our neighborhood."

Exercise Science Professor Dr. Paula Parker was one of many who gave blood on Thursday, saying she did it to give back to a school that has given much to her.

"One of my favorite quotes is by [the late U.S. Congresswoman] Shirley Chisholm, who said, 'Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this Earth,'" Parker said. "One reason I love teaching at Campbell is I get to serve the students and our university community every day."