Presbyterian College introduced its newest students to the value of helping one’s neighbors during its annual Service Day event.

The student orientation tradition placed the entire Class of 2027 at six local sites, where they volunteered their time and effort to better the surrounding community.

In his official welcome to campus on Move-in Day, the Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon, PC’s chaplain and dean of spiritual life, introduced the incoming class to the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.”

“Service is who we are at PC,” he said. “It’s what caused us to come into being and what guides our strategic plan for the future. Service is what unites us across all our faiths, identities, and backgrounds. Tomorrow you will begin your own journey into that rich tradition of service at PC through the freshman orientation Service Day. Before you set foot in a single classroom, before you attend an athletic event, before your school year begins you will all be dispersed among half a dozen sites to serve throughout our community on Service Day. ‘While We Live, We Serve!’”

Associate chaplain, the Rev. British Hyrams, said the Class of 2027 rose to the moment.

“The heat of the day did not curb the enthusiasm of our newest Blue Hose on their designated Service Day,” she said. “They came to serve, and serve they did! Each time a different task was announced, more than enough hands were raised to fill the need. No pulling teeth necessary!”

Hyrams said the partners, too, were impressed by PC’s new students.

“The enthusiasm from our partners is captured in a thank you note form Springdale United Methodist Church which stated, ‘We appreciate your hard work so much – your joyful service was an inspiration and a blessing.’”

Service Day partners and sites included:

• Keeping Laurens County Beautiful – Springdale Drive
• Clinton Community Garden
• On-campus letter writing campaign for veterans
• Thornwell
• Springdale United Methodist Church
• Clinton Canopy – Millers Fork

PC students also participated in the Rise Against Hunger event at First Presbyterian Church in Clinton on Aug. 21.