Presbyterian College began its school year this week by celebrating its Dum Vivimus Servimus Day of Service. The day, in referencing PC’s motto, While we live, we serve, was required for all freshmen and incoming transfer students and had students placed across Laurens County performing community service.

“I was really impressed at how willing the freshmen in my group were to work,” said Jessica Taylor, a senior international studies major from Rock hill. “They gladly volunteered for different jobs outside, and I never heard a complaint about the work.”

Taylor led a group of students who worked at the All Saints Episcopal Church, where they power washed the sides of the parish hall, laid out pine straw, and cleared branches.

A few of the other service sites included the LushAcres Farm at the Thornwell Home for Children, the Laurens County Humane Society, and a homeless shelter in Joanna.

“The students were a huge help today. There are a few that talked about starting a group to volunteer on the farm regularly,” said Gretchen Huggins, director of LushAcres Farm.

While leading a group of 12 freshmen at the Laurens County Humane Society, Julianna Franklin, a senior international studies and Spanish major from Wilkesboro, N.C., recognized that several PC faculty and staff worked at the shelter as well.

“I really liked that we began this year with service projects because I think it’s essential to emphasize to our new students our motto of Dum Vivimus Servimus,” said Franklin. “This particular project showed that our professors and staff are dedicated to the motto, even outside of PC, and that service can be fulfilling and fun, while an integral part of life at PC.”

For more information about service at PC, contact Rachel Parsons-Wells at reparsons@presby.edu.