Northhampton News

First-year students looking to establish a connection with their new home away from home got the chance to do just that in the Pre-Orientation Service Program (POSP).

The POSP program, coordinated by the Landis Center for Community Engagement, offers students a chance to arrive early, meet fellow classmates, get to know the campus, and participate in meaningful service projects in the Easton community.

This year, students were able to volunteer their energy and time at the Easton Urban Farm at The Neighborhood Center, Easton Garden Works’ gardens, LaFarm, and Joseph H. Firth Youth Center in Phillipsburg, N.J., and participate as counselors for the Kids in the Community day camp at Paxinosa Elementary School. Students also partnered with Gracedale Nursing Home to learn more about the aging population.

Annie Krege ’23 and Genevieve Craig ’23 served as the executive co-directors of POSP and helped to coordinate the activities.

Krege got involved with the program as a first-year because she was interested in engaging with her new community.

“I’ve learned so much about how to be an active citizen in my community and how important it is to be engaged with the population around you,” Krege says. “Over the last few years, I’ve learned how to enact change in my community through well-rounded, quality community service opportunities that emphasize direct service, education, and reflection.”

Jodi Fowler, assistant director of civic leadership for the Landis Center, says 27 student-leaders returned, along with 40 first-years, for a total of 67 student participants.

“The goal of the program is for students to engage in meaningful community outreach through education, direct service, and reflection,” Fowler says. “The outcome is for students to build lasting relationships, develop as leaders and active citizens, make connections through involvement in meaningful and collaborative service experiences, and increase their appreciation and understanding of Easton, the community that graciously houses them for four years.”

Krege says for students, POSP is a great introduction to other service opportunities that Lafayette offers. For those interested in learning more or participating in the program, visit the Landis Center site. 

Original source can be found here.