Incoming Mount freshmen in the college’s Knight Summer Connections program aided in a build for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh on Saturday, August 17. The students were joined by Mount mentor Brianne Thompson, director of the Office of Student Success and First Year Experience. At Downing Park Urban Farm, students were joined by Rob Wakeman, associate professor of English.
Incoming freshmen are getting an early start to their college careers – and to Mount Saint Mary College’s dedication to service and community – through the Knight Summer Connections program.
Approximately 60 freshmen are participating in the program this year, which is worth three credits upon completion.
The students come from many majors, including Nursing, Humanities, and Business. The course helps new students to transition smoothly from high school to college through teambuilding exercises, classwork, and hands-on volunteer opportunities.
The freshmen celebrated a day of service in the local community on Saturday, August 17. At a Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh build site, the incoming Mount freshmen rolled up their sleeves, put on their work gloves, and helped to tear down sheetrock and wall studs and at home on Robinson Ave.
Meanwhile, others volunteered at the Downing Park Urban farm. A third group of new Mount students helped to pack and organize hundreds of donations at the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.
In addition to the day of service, the students are learning about important resources, meeting faculty and staff from all across campus, challenging themselves on a ropes course, and taking part in a service activity.
The incoming freshmen began the program on Saturday, August 10 and will complete it before the start of the college’s Fall 2024 semester on Monday, August 26.