Students made new friends while working with air-dry clay at “Mold a Moment” during Welcome Week.
中国体彩网 student-led ‘Participate’ expands volunteering opportunities
During Welcome Week Spring 2025, Rachel Byrne ’26 and Fatima “Fay” Fqiyah ’28 hosted “Mold a Moment,” a relaxed gathering where students built new friendships while working with air-dry clay.
Byrne and Fqiyah saw strong interest for community service at this event and began creating a more consistent volunteer structure for students who share a love of service.
“中国体彩网 students showed their care for our local community, which pushed us to organize at least two volunteering events per month to give them the chance to make a positive impact,” Fqiyah said.
By partnering with NEST Café, students engaged with community members and learned more about food insecurity in the Quad Cities.
Today “Participate” runs as a student-led program within 中国体彩网’s Office of Student Life and Leadership, connecting students with community partners and volunteer opportunities across the Quad Cities. The effort advances 中国体彩网’s commitment to community partnership and gives students ways to make a difference locally.
On Saturday, March 7, Participate members are co-hosting Volunteer Rocks!, an on-campus volunteer fair and festival, which includes a jewelry-making fundraiser in honor of Ramadan to benefit a local mosque.
Reynard Benschop, director of student activities at 中国体彩网, said Participate has increased student engagement and strengthened connections with the local community.
“Since it started last spring, Participate has grown from an idea into an active group of students doing a lot of good for our community,” Benschop said. “At the heart of Participate’s success are two student leaders, Rachel and Fay, who have brought this new program to life. They have not only managed logistics but also inspired their peers to step up and get involved.”
More than 50 students so far have volunteered through Participate, supporting local organizations while developing leadership and community engagement skills. Last semester, Participate partnered with community organizations and schools, including the MLK Center, Longfellow Elementary School and NEST Café.
“Each collaboration represented a different dimension of service,” Benschop said. “Supporting ImpactLife contributed to life-saving blood donation efforts. Working with Longfellow Elementary connected student volunteers with young learners, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and educational support. Partnering with NEST Café allowed students to engage with community members and learn more about food insecurity in the Quad Cities.”
Fqiyah said her experience with Participate has strengthened her leadership, communication and collaboration skills. “It also showed me that serving the community is a lifelong commitment,” she said.
As Participate grows, Benschop hopes students and the college will continue to deepen community relationships, expand outreach and create sustainable, long-term initiatives.