Westminster's College's Chapel Office and Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning co-sponsored a Volunteers in Service and Action (VISA) Fair Sept. 10 in the McKelvey Campus Center.

The event hosted participants from 15 community organizations, including Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, Young Life, Walker Neighborhood House, New Wilmington Presbyterian Church, and representatives from groups in Mercer, Lawrence, and Allegheny counties, to showcase the many volunteer opportunities available to students.

Jeff Ledebur, Americorps VISTA and coordinator of the event, said, "The Volunteer Fair was a great success. We hope students were able to connect with different organizations and are able to lend their gifts and abilities to others in the community."

"Our student response was excellent, with over 160 signing up and expressing interest in volunteering," said the Rev. Jim Mohr, Westminster chaplain. "The next step is to have the organizations return to campus and meet with the volunteer groups to clarify exactly what their needs are and give our students a chance to make a commitment."

Students who want to volunteer but were unable to attend the fair can contact Ledebur in the Drinko Center (e-mail ledebujt@westminster.edu) or Mohr in the Chapel Office (e-mail mohrjr@westminster.edu) to learn about service opportunities.

Westminster has been on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for three straight years. Nearly 80% of Westminster students volunteered last year, three times the national average.

The next VISA Fair is scheduled for Jan. 28.