Appalachian Connections
Novemberber 2019

Message from Chancellor Sheri Everts

Service experiences are one way we elevate a sense of community and purpose — and also help further develop our students’ critical problem-solving skills while affirming the value of “doing good.”

Here are a few recent examples of our students gaining valuable experience while contributing to communities on and beyond our campus:

• During fall break, students participated in Alternative Service Experience programs that included volunteering at a camp for autistic children and their families, a transitional housing program for victims of human trafficking, a domestic violence shelter and a sanctuary for farm animals that have been rescued from the animal agriculture industry.
• In October, students, faculty and staff gathered for the third annual Community FEaST, a near-zero waste, locally sourced meal at a 100-yard-long table where they discussed the importance of sustainable food systems.
• Students and faculty staffed an event fostering acceptance and understanding of autism and neurodiversity on Nov. 2. Camp Crinkleroot is a free, one-day event sponsored by Appalachian’s Blue Cross NC Institute for Health and Human Services. This fall’s event was focused on developing communication and social skills and activities for youth ages 8–18 on the autism spectrum or with learning or thinking differences.

Appalachian organizes hundreds of service opportunities each year. These are opportunities for our students to give back to their communities and to learn from this important work.