Carson-Newman hosts first Eagles Engage volunteer fair

^{Naomi Coletta, pictured left, with Ridin’ High, Inc. of Morristown, fields questions during Carson-Newman’s recent Eagles Engage volunteer fair. Ridin’ High, a non-profit offering recreational and therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities, was one of several community organizations that took part in the event on campus.}

(Sept. 24, 2015) — About 120 students, faculty and staff members participated in Carson-Newman University’s first Eagles Engage volunteer opportunities fair Thursday, September 17.

Carson-Newman’s Bonner Center Volunteer and Events Coordinator Xany Moore says the event gave local organizations the opportunity to showcase their work to students looking to get more involved with the community.

“We wanted a way for local organizations to get on campus and have some interaction with the students,” Moore says. “It was a chance for our community partners to really get their names out there.”

Carson-Newman students volunteered 100,000 total hours of community service in 2013-2014.

At least 15 different community partners had booths set up at the event, with a variety of opportunities from tutoring to volunteering at shelters.

Faculty members were able to use the event as well to find community partners for service learning classes.

“We’re extremely pleased with how our first annual Eagles Engage turned out,” Moore says. “We cannot wait for next year’s fair to be even more successful.”

Opportunities to volunteer are available throughout the year at the Bonner Center. Potential volunteers or organizations looking to connect may contact Moore at 865-471-3594.