The Randolph-Macon College football team is known for its winning ways. But the team is also doing great things off the field: helping out students at John M. Gandy Elementary School in Hanover County, Virginia.

Mentorship + Friendship
The school’s Lunch Buddy program, which began in 2006, is for students who need a little extra attention. Mentors, including 34 RMC football players, serve as role models for the children, spending time with them each week during lunch or recess. Jennifer Gray is a school counselor at Gandy.

“The buddies come and talk with their students, play games, do crafts and have fun,” explains Gray.  “The students really look forward to having their ‘big buddies’ spend time with them each week. Gandy students form bonds with their big buddies—a connection that they may need as they navigate stressful times in their lives.”

Win-Win
As community service coordinator for the Yellow Jackets football team, Christopher Ruediger ’18 serves as liaison between the players and Gray.

“Team members visit the Gandy students on a weekly basis, tagging along during recess or during the lunch period,” explains Ruediger, a computer science major. “We use this time to get to know our buddies.” Ruediger, a wide receiver for the Yellow Jackets, says the Lunch Buddy program is a win-win situation.

“The outlook that the kids have on life is refreshing, and volunteering is a nice change from my fast-paced college life,” he says. “This is my second year with my buddy and he is one of the best friends I have made since I’ve been at Randolph-Macon.” Volunteerism, he says, enriches the lives of all who participate.

“The Town of Ashland has been so hospitable to me that it is my pleasure to give back in any way I can,” he says. “In addition to the Lunch Buddy program, a lot of the guys on the team participate in other community service events. We know that it is our responsibility to help the community that supports us so generously.”

Giving Back, Paying Forward
Arruza is duly proud of his players.

“The Lunch Buddy program is a great way for our players to give back and make a difference in young lives,” he says. “Every one of us has been impacted by someone who helped us get to where we are. You can’t always pay people back for the things they have done, but you can always pay forward. I know this has been a rewarding experience for many of our players. They truly enjoy the relationships they are forging.”

Community Service
In 2015-16, RMC students collectively amassed more than 27,400 volunteer hours and donated $49,897.71 to various causes. Students in Fraternity and Sorority Life contributed more than 13,600 hours of collective service to the community and donated $1737.73 to various organizations and philanthropies. In addition, $21,000 was raised and donated to the American Cancer Society from the annual Relay for Life.

Over 200 students participated RMC’s first Big Event, a day of service to give thanks to the Ashland community. The Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteer Experiences (SERVE) program, in the Office of Student Life, is an integral part of Randolph-Macon College.