WebsterWorksWorldwide

Annually, Webster University sponsors a campus-wide community service day in partnership with local agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students, faculty, staff and alumni work in teams to accomplish tasks that agencies often neglect due to lack of time and resources. Projects include light construction work, tutoring, painting, yardwork, working with children or seniors, park and forest restoration, consulting, and fine arts projects. This year, WebsterWorksWorldwide will be held on Wednesday, October 4.

A Brief History

Upon his arrival as president of the University in 1995, Dr. Richard S. Meyers implemented a campus-wide community service day in lieu of an inaugural ceremony. Nearly 450 Webster students, faculty and staff volunteered a total of 1,100 hours for this first WebsterWorksWorldwide. Now held every fall, the program involves nearly 1,400 volunteers who, on average, perform over 6,000 hours of community service.

Local Service Globally

The first University in the St. Louis area to establish such a program, Webster’s Community Service Day reaches across "the river" - and even across "the pond!" WebsterWorksWorldwide is embraced by all of Webster University’s extended campus locations. So whether in Leiden, Little Rock or Las Vegas, Webster volunteers reach out and reach into their local communities.

In Their Own Words

Although the number of volunteers and agencies served are noteworthy, the lasting impact is best reflected in the comments of participants - both agency and volunteer. Here are some of their thoughts:

"It’s a Webster tradition... a highlight of the Fall Semester...it’s very nice to work side by side with someone who I don’t often get a chance to work with. It’s rewarding to get something accomplished for an agency that does good work ..."

"Working with children who need so much love and attention makes you grateful for the love and attention you enjoy in your own life."

"An incredible event! It is symbolic of the culture at Webster."

"This WWW experience epitomized the way serving others can get into your heart and frame all your ‘problems’ into a new and very insignificant perspective."

"Our groups exceeded the planned outcome of our project. They overwhelmed me. We are now months ahead on our project... I am confident that (the two team leaders) have a very bright future in store for them. I come in contact with many college students and these two exhibit the fine qualities of time management, leadership ability and professionalism. The University should feel most proud that (they) are in the community serving as ambassadors."

"The energy, creativity and enthusiasm that absorbed our agency was unbelievable. I have been receiving non-stop positive feedback regarding the program."

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