Trinity Hosts Its First Spring Volunteerism Fair

The first ever volunteer fair at the Trinity

Photo courtesy of School of Business

By Matt Barnes

With an attendance of more than 200 students, yesterday’s Spring Volunteerism Fair was a roaring success. The fair was held by Trinity’s School of Business in cooperation with the Center for Experiential learning and Career Success.

Two dozens of local organizations came together to help enlist the Trinity community to extend a hand in volunteering and helping others.

“We are here to show Trinity students the many opportunities that are available to them,” said Eric Uriegas, Recruitment Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “There are a lot of organizations nearby that help the greater San Antonio Area, it is important that these organizations have a presence in the minds of college students.”

His organization was a big hit last night. “We have already got over 30 students signing up for our email list, and it’s only been twenty minutes” Uriegas said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was just one of the many places where students could meet the coordinators and volunteer. Keisha Laughy, Community Relations Director for Triple H Equitherapy Center, said, “This is the first time for us to come to Trinity. We have had several volunteers from the University of The Incarnate Word but we are always looking for more help.”

Located in Pipe Creek Texas, Triple H Equitherapy Center is an organization that uses the power of horses as a form of therapy. “Veterans, elderly, children, many other people with disabilities greatly benefit from just being around these large, gentle, animals,” Laughy said.

This is the first ever Volunteerism Fair at Trinity and the attendance was higher than expected. The fair followed the School of Business’s Fourth annual ethics symposium on the value of giving back by corporate and individuals.

Paige Fields, Dean of the School of Business, said, “Our goal with this event is to give Trinity students a hands-on approach at volunteering around their community. The ethics symposium was designed to show the students the value of giving back and this fair connects them with the organizations that are eager for their assistance.”

Graham Stockhausen, senior geo-science major, appreciated this opportunity. "It feels good to be able to give back. I've volunteered a couple of times through Trinity's TUVAC program."

The event filled the hallways of the Chapman building from 6:30 until 7:30. Fields said, “Attendance was expected to be around 120, maybe 150. But 205 is even greater than we could have thought!” She also confirmed that the fair will reoccur. “We are already planning the Fall fair and are sure that we will be back again next Spring.”