Randolph-Macon College students regularly engage in community service, giving back to others with their time, energy and talent.

The SERVE (Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteer Experiences) program is just one way that students can help others. SERVE provides students with opportunities for volunteerism, service learning, and leadership development as they explore the root causes and contexts of social needs through connections with the greater community.

Other students engage in community service in conjunction with fraternities, sororities, and campus clubs and organizations.

Josephine Realubit ’19 (sociology major; psychology minor) recently volunteered at a medical mission in the Philippines, where she worked alongside healthcare professionals. Realubit is a member of RMC’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity that encourages students to help others.

Healthcare + School Supplies
In May 2017, Realubit traveled to the Philippines with other volunteers from the North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians (NCVAPP), a small group of Filipino physicians from the Richmond, Virginia area. The nonprofit organization provides medical and financial assistance to mission and charitable groups in remote areas of the Philippines.
The group spent two days administering healthcare to adults and children with illnesses and dental problems and performing minor surgeries. The mission site, Manduang Elementary school, is located in a remote area near the mountainside in Minganilla, Cebu.

“Those of us who are not medically certified were there to help with any miscellaneous tasks: sorting, packing, and distributing prescriptions; handing out school supplies; keeping the children entertained; keeping the flow of patients smooth; making sure everyone had the supplies they needed; running messages between doctors; and cleaning up,” explains Realubit. “In addition, one of the physicians and I were in charge of taking pictures and videos.”

Realubit’s twin sister, Natalie Realubit ’19, a psychology major and ethics minor, and her mother, Dr. Jocelyn Vergara, a Richmond pediatrician, were also on the trip.

“I chose to take part in the medical mission because I wanted to help out, make connections, and travel to a part of the Philippines I haven’t seen before,” says Realubit. “It was fascinating to watch the physicians, dentists and surgeons do their work! Altogether, they treated about 650 patients.”

Dedicated to Service
Currently the historian for RMC’s Alpha Phi Omega chapter, Realubit joined the fraternity because she wanted to be a part of an organization dedicated to service.

“APO also offers students the opportunity to grow together in leadership and friendship,” she says. “Since service is a core principle in Alpha Phi Omega, all members of the fraternity are encouraged to take part in service wherever and whenever possible. I’m always happy to do my part.”

Realubit is also a member of Circle K International, the THRIVE Peer to Peer Success program, Diversity Council, Macon Outdoors, and The Stylus. Her post-RMC plans include a career in law enforcement.

Giving Back
In 2016-17, RMC students collectively amassed more than 17,000 volunteer hours and donated $47,075 to various causes. Students in Fraternity and Sorority Life contributed more than 10,049 hours of collective service to the community and donated nearly $27,683 to various organizations and philanthropies. In addition, $14,000 was raised and donated to the American Cancer Society from the annual Relay for Life.
Over 300 students participated RMC’s second 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.