Students show Malaspina spirit

Malaspina University-College students want to get more involved in the community.

Physical Education students Jessica Duncan, Angela Losch and Adam Lowry are recruiting interested and energetic students to join a new campus club where members would volunteer at campus and community events, and develop job skills at the same time.

“Volunteering in community events is good for students’ future career plans,” said Losch, a fifth-year Physical Education student at Malaspina. “It also helps get the Malaspina name out there in the community.”

Duncan said the idea for the club ties in well with the ‘be involved” theme of Malaspina’s Campus Rec program. She helped get the ball rolling by recruiting a team of students to volunteer at a water station during the Runners of Compassion major annual fundraiser, the Harbour City Half Marathon on Sunday.

“Getting involved in events like this a great way to meet new people, break up our studies a bit and make the most of campus life,” said Duncan.  “Volunteering helps students to develop their career skills and looks good on a resume.”

Duncan, a volunteer with Malaspina’s student Recreation Council, and part-time gym attendant at Malaspina, said a pool of student volunteers are already listed on an data base but it’s mostly physical education students. “We’re hoping to expand the list by recruiting students campus wide, from as many different programs as possible,” she said.

Dr. Patrick Ross, Malaspina’s Vice-President, Student Services, praised the efforts of Losch, Duncan and Lowry, saying that one of Malaspina’s main priorities “is to provide a full, rich and broad experience for students beyond the classroom.”

“We’ve been working closely with the Malaspina Students’ Union to improve general services for students,” said Ross. “To see students take the initiative and encourage their peers to get involved in worthwhile community events is extremely gratifying. There’s no doubt that being involved in campus life and community events enriches a student’s overall life experience.”

Students interested in volunteering for campus or community events can contact Losch at soccertwitch_19@hotmail.com or Duncan at j_duncan08@hotmail.com.