La Salle University President Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., along with student volunteers, donate their time at La Salle Academy for the Lasallian Day of Service Sept. 29. La Salle Academy is located at the former St. Michael Parish School, where La Salle College opened its doors in 1863.
Day of Service marks La Salle’s 150th anniversary
La Salle University continued its 150th anniversary celebration with the LaSallian Day of Service Sept. 29.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of La Salle volunteered their time with civic and social organizations at more than 30 sites in Philadelphia, as well as alumni clubs in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
Other sites included Washington, D.C.; New York, N.Y.; St. Louis, Mo.; Chicago, Ill.; San Francisco, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Camden, N.J.; Ocean City, N.J.; Palm Beach County, Fla.; Tampa, Fla.; and Yakima, Wash.
La Salle students currently studying overseas also participated in the event.
About 200 graduates, 800 students and 80 faculty and staff signed up for the event.
“Part of our LaSallian heritage is about faith, service and community. As a campus community, we pride ourselves on the service we do,” said Christian Brother Bob Kinzler, director of University Ministry and Service.
Sites include Habitat for Humanity, homeless shelters, hospices, daycare centers, food banks, schools for special needs children, elementary schools, and churches.
In recent years, La Salle students have contributed more than 50,000 hours of service annually to the local community.
“It is truly a blessing and a privilege to offer a Day of Service in the region and around the world as we celebrate our 150th anniversary,” said Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., president of La Salle University. “La Salle is a vibrant and continuously evolving learning community with a bright future.
“The theme of our sesquicentennial celebration is ‘Living the Promise’ – it is our way of saying that while La Salle has grown and adapted to meet the circumstances and needs of the times, we have been faithful to our mission.”
At a LaSalle’s opening convocation Aug. 23, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter presented a proclamation recognizing the university and its anniversary.
Other highlights of the yearlong celebration include Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput accepting an honorary degree during Honors Convocation Oct. 7.
At the Alumni Awards Dinner on Nov. 16, the university will award its Signum Fidei Medal on behalf of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for its work in advancing humanitarian principles. Accepting the award is Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Vice President for CRS’ United States efforts.
