Fall GatorServe is Set for Sept. 14
The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning’s fall GatorServe is quickly approaching. The biannual event is held to recognize and participate in the National Days of Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and September 11.
This year, the event will take place on Saturday, September 14 from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. Gators will have the opportunity to help seniors in the Fifth Ward community with household tasks such as yard work, painting, and general cleanup.
CCESL director Dr. Poonam Gulati described the event as a wonderful volunteer opportunity.
"The upcoming GatorServe event to commemorate the 9/11 national day of service is an opportune time to connect with community members who need assistance," Gulati said. "UHD students, staff, faculty and alumni will be joined by community members to help seniors and disabled persons in their homes in the Fifth Ward community." The volunteers will be cheered on by Houston City Council Members Jerry Davis, District B and Jack Christie, At-Large Position 5, and UHD President Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz.
Student Isbah Khan has volunteered with GatorServe for two years and has found the experience valuable.
“GatorServe has allowed me to give back to the community and become more aware of the needs of our UHD neighbors,” Khan said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to give back to the community, connect with their peers outside of the class and build their resume. It truly enriches your college experience by motivating you to build a greater community.”
Students, staff, faculty, and friends may register here to volunteer. GatorServe volunteers will be provided transportation, lunch, a t-shirt, and all required materials for service projects.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
