Neumann University marked a major milestone on Friday, March 13, as students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the close of the university’s 60th anniversary and the completion of an ambitious goal: 60,000 hours of community service.
The Charter Day celebration included Mass at Our Lady of Angels Chapel followed by lunch and a day of service in the Mirenda Center, bringing together members of the university community to reflect on the institution’s mission and commitment to service.
The celebration began with a noon Mass, emphasizing the university’s Catholic and Franciscan identity.
Mass in Our Lady of Angels Chapel. By Nguyen Ta
Afterward, participants moved to the Mirenda Center, where volunteers packed meal kits, organized supplies, and prepared donations for organizations in need.
Many of the volunteers were students who see service as a central part of their experience at Neumann.
Angel Sims, a senior social work major and intern for the Office of Community Service and Mission Ministry, helped pack meal bags for Kids Against Hunger, an organization that distributes food locally and internationally.
“So we’re filling bags for Kids Against Hunger,” Sims said. “Basically, they’re meal kits that will go overseas to people. We’ll send them to both local food banks and overseas.”
Packed meal kits prepared by Neumann volunteers for Kids Against Hunger. By Nguyen Ta
During the event, volunteers worked together to pack 30,000 meals, adding to the 30,000 meals packed during service efforts last year, bringing the total to 60,000 meals prepared for communities in need as part of the university’s 60th anniversary initiatives.
For Sims, contributing to the university’s service milestone was meaningful not only because of the number but because of the impact behind it.
Angel Sims helps out at the Charter Day service event. By Nguyen Ta
“Honestly, it’s really cool to be able to give back in this way,” Sims said. “This is just one act that we’re doing. I’ve been part of multiple service projects here, and it’s the small thing that you’re doing that means so much to other people.”
Other students echoed that sentiment. Kylie Seeger, a graduate student in athletic training and an assistant for Knight’s Pantry, said the event felt especially significant after spending several years at the university.
“For me, it’s probably because I’m in my sixth year here at Neumann,” Seeger said. “Seeing everyone throughout the years and now this being my last year, it’s really nice to see everyone come together.”
Kylie Seeger serves as a volunteer at the event. By Nguyen Ta
The event was open not only to students, faculty, and staff, but also to their family members and friends. Some participants brought their children along to help pack meals, turning the service project into a community-wide effort.
Neumann community members and their families pack meal bags. By Nguyen Ta
Families gathered around the tables in the Mirenda Center, scooping ingredients and sealing meal bags together, showing how Neumann’s spirit of service extends beyond campus and into the wider community.
“Just seeing how many different people are coming out,” Sims said. “There are sports teams, clubs, professors, and faculty. Seeing how many people care about something and come together to do it.”
The 60,000-hour goal was tracked over the past year as part of the university’s anniversary initiative. According to Sister Kathy Dougherty, the Vice President of Ministry and Mission, the milestone reflects the institution’s commitment to living out its values.
“It is wonderful, and I’m so impressed with our community,” she said. “Students, faculty, alums, and friends of the university have all contributed to making this happen because service is such an important part of our mission.”
Sister Kathy Dougherty participates in the celebration in Neumann’s volunteer attire. By Nguyen Ta
Dougherty noted that the number represents more than just a statistic.
“I think it talks about our integrity,” she said. “We say that service matters, and now we can actually see the data that shows people really put in the hours.”
The service hours were tracked through an online system managed by Megan Camp, Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement, allowing members of the community to log their volunteer work throughout the year.
For many participants, the day’s events symbolized the connection between faith and action. The celebration began with prayer and reflection before moving into hands-on service.
“We start with our prayer, and then we go into service,” said Dougherty. “Here’s our faith, but then we want to put our faith in action.”
As volunteers continued packing meals and preparing donations throughout the afternoon, the event served as both a celebration of the past 60 years and a reminder of the community spirit that continues to shape Neumann’s future.
