September 11, 2007

Purdue residence halls step out for Hunger Hike

This is the first year that Purdue's on-campus residents have signed up in a coordinated effort. Purdue First Gentleman Chris Foster will join them.

"We are increasingly encouraging our staff and students to get involved with the community that is their home, possibly for several years to come," said Allyson Hodge, University Residences director of community relations. "Our students have responded enthusiastically."

The Hunger Hike typically draws 500 participants from the community. Event proceeds benefit Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank and St. Thomas Aquinas Center.

The Residence Hall Association has been promoting the Hunger Hike in the halls with posters and by word of mouth.

"Most college students eat well and often, so the opportunity to help others less fortunate resonates with us," said association president Patrick Sadtler. "While many of us won't be able to help with our checkbooks, a lot of us can bring energy, enthusiasm and compassion to the situation."

Patti O'Callaghan, Lafayette Urban Ministry's director of social justice ministries, welcomes the influx of young volunteers.

"We could not provide the services we do - the food pantry, emergency shelter, after-school program, summer day camp, etc. - without the funds raised by Hunger Hike," O'Callaghan said. "Hopefully, we will see more of these students throughout the year."

University Residences resident assistants, student staffers who live on each floor of each hall, are required to organize community service projects each semester for their residents. This August, for the second consecutive year, the resident assistants capped their week of training with a day of service at a several local nonprofit organizations.

Barbara Frazee, executive director of University Residences, expects training will translate into more students volunteering in the community.

"Nearly 12,000 students choose to live on campus with us each semester, in large part because we not only provide a place to live, but also provide opportunities to create a lifestyle," Frazee said. "It's one of our core values that we are living best when we are giving back to others around us."

Students from University Residences will be joined by members of the Purdue Crew team, which will lead the hike carrying their boat aloft. Purdue fraternity members will provide event logistical support.

The Hunger Hike is preceded by a registration period from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Riehle Plaza in downtown Lafayette. A post-hike celebration begins at 3 p.m. and includes food, door prizes, live music and clowns. Each participant who raises at least $50 receives a free T- shirt.

Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu

Sources: Barbara Frazee, (765) 494-1000, bjfrazee@purdue.edu

Ally Hodge, (765) 494-1000, allyhodge@purdue.edu

Patrick Sadtler, (765) 495-6313, psadtler@purdue.edu

Patti O'Callghan, (765) 423-2691, pocallaghan@lafayetteurbanministry.org

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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