Cheyney University News August 27, 2012 Freshmen Start First Semester With Day of Service More than 100 Cheyney University of Pennsylvania freshmen rolled up their sleeves and volunteered on Saturday, August 25, in an effort to make a difference. They got up early, boarded four buses and headed in two different directions. Two busloads of students went to Coatesville's Community, Youth and Women's Alliance (CYWA) to do some much-needed sprucing up, while two more busloads of students traveled to Philadelphia's historic Mount Moriah Cemetery to give the grounds a facelift. CYWA provides temporary shelter to homeless women and their children. Roger Wayne, CYWA's Special Projects Director, welcomed the help. The freshmen painted, stenciled tables and chairs, cleaned the daycare, organized toys, did landscaping, and only stopped long enough to grab lunch and take a picture with Cheyney President Michelle Howard-Vital, who dropped by to encourage the young people. What the students did, Wayne said, "gives hope that we're not forgotten. Our young ladies were able to see young people aspiring to better themselves and it inspired them. Like so many others who are trying to make it in this tough economy, CYWA must rely on volunteers for upkeep of the building." Mount Moriah Cemetary, which is the final resting place for some Philadelphia mayors, Civil War soldiers, and other notable historic figures, relies on volunteers, too. Cheyney students joined the restoration efforts there by removing shrubs, mowing the grass, raking, picking up trash and beautifying the grounds. Reverend Elisha Morris, who coordinates internships for Cheyney University students, said, "Community service is a big part of education. You can't plan to make a lot of money when you get out of school and not be concerned about the people who couldn't afford to go to college. You need to be an inspiration to others just like the people who came before you and paved the way for you." The day of service was such a success. Morris says the students will go back to both facilities and serve again sometime this school year. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.