WASHINGTON – At the ninth annual Howard University Day of Service (HUDOS) on August 20, Howard students stayed true to the theme of “resurgence.” The University-wide event leaned on virtual resources due to inclement weather.Students persisted in serving the community by enhancing their knowledge and actively participating in several community service Zoom meetings.

Howard University Day of Service is a student-led event that helps acclimate students to the University and Washington, D.C. community by providing individuals, of all faiths and backgrounds, an opportunity to embrace the University motto, “Truth and Service.” Day of Service activities are organized by the Office of the Dean of the Chapel at Howard University.

“Our students know me for quoting Benjamin E. Mays who said, ‘We ought not to seek greatness; we ought to seek to serve, and when we seek to serve, we will bump into greatness along the way,’” said Reverend Bernard L. Richardson, Ph.D., dean of the chapel.

The event included volunteer opportunities for incoming first- and second-year Howard students in the following service areas: housing and food support, environmental justice, and youth outreach. More than 1,000 students registered to participate in community service projects, including Howard University’s Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (IVPP).

Led by advocate and support group specialist, Teaira Garrett, the IVPP service project focused on putting measures and procedures in place to keep everyone safe from sexual assault and related incidents. They also work closely with the Title IX office to provide support for men, women, and those who do not identify as either in the incident of these events.

“Today’s virtual event was one of the core reasons why I like to serve. I want to give back to the community, broaden my perspective, and create advocacy to promote change,” said Deja Fowler, sophomore nursing student. “I’m passionate about it, and I am excited to not only embrace this opportunity, but to engage in many more.”

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.