The Arrupe Center for Community Service and Social Responsibility expanded its student engagement opportunities and strengthened community partnerships in the last year through large-scale service events, continued volunteer programs and new civic engagement initiatives.
One of the events, Connect and Serve, brought together 180 community members to support Rally Round for Children’s Wisconsin and generated more than 500 hours of service. The event demonstrated a strong commitment to service across campus while reinforcing relationships among community partners.
“Beyond the tangible outcomes, the event strengthened relationships between students and local partners and reinforced the importance of service as a shared responsibility,” says Jess Verdejo, director of the Arrupe Center.
That consistency carried across service sites throughout the year. Verdejo notes that community partners highlighted students’ reliability and enthusiasm, particularly during moments of increased need.
“Several community partners shared how students stepped in during critical moments, whether supporting youth programming or assisting with community events,” Verdejo says. “These moments underscored how reliable, engaged volunteers can make a real difference in day-to-day operations.”
The Arrupe Center also connected students to service opportunities early in the academic year. During O-Fest, the center partnered with more than 30 community organizations to introduce students to service learning and volunteer opportunities across Milwaukee. The goal, Verdejo says, was to make service accessible and welcoming.
“The event provided a low-barrier, welcoming entry point for students to explore service-learning and volunteer opportunities while helping them see how their interests and skills can align with community needs,” she says.
Sustained engagement remained a priority through programs like the Milwaukee Volunteer Corps, which recruited 21 student members who are currently serving with partners including Next Door and SEA Literacy.
Student participation peaked on Make a Difference Day on Oct. 25, when 239 students served at partner sites including City on a Hill, Eras Senior Network, the American Red Cross, Near West Side Partners, Penfield Children’s Center and Milwaukee County Parks. Verdejo attributed the turnout to intentional outreach and strong partnerships. “Collaborations with organizations like City on a Hill and Near West Side Partners enhanced the experience by offering well-structured, mission-driven projects,” Verdejo says.
The Arrupe Center also collaborated with the Center for Urban Teaching, Research and Outreach to host a three-part civic engagement lunch and learn series aimed at encouraging civic participation beyond voting. The conversations centered on civic responsibility and translating values into action, with a focus on sustained engagement beyond election cycles.
“The Arrupe Center’s proudest accomplishment was its ability to balance growth with depth, from large-scale service events to sustained programs like the Milwaukee Volunteer Corps, our initiatives have helped students connect learning with action in ways that are thoughtful and impactful,” Verdejo says.
