Randolph-Macon College’s Service Fellows program is a multi-year experience that integrates service opportunities with an exploration of the contexts and root causes of social needs.

Members of the program recently partnered with John M. Gandy Elementary School, located in Hanover County, Virginia. Service Fellows created dozens of stress balls for Gandy students to use in the school’s “calming corners”—specially designated areas in each classroom where students can go to de-stress.

Syreen Goulmamine ’19 is executive director of Service Fellows. The Fellows created more than 100 stress balls by filling balloons with flour and rice.

“I joined Service Fellows freshman year because I thought it would be a great way to continue the community service I was involved with in high school,” says Goulmamine, a biology and behavioral science major and Spanish and chemistry minor. “As I became more involved with Service Fellows, I realized that giving back was made all the better because of the people I connect with and the friendships I’ve made.”

Leadership + Connections
Jayme Watkins, director of Student Life, serves as advisor to the Service Fellows.

“We have 64 Service Fellows in the program, which is run by a student-led executive board,” says Watkins. “Members are selected through an application process, and Service Fellows write monthly ‘reflection blogs’ to highlight their service and its impact on them and the world around them.”

Students participate in service projects throughout the year, from packaging meals for Stop Hunger Now to sprucing up the college and Ashland communities through yard work. “Fellows gain an understanding of the importance of giving back, and they connect with communities beyond the college, giving them a great sense of pride.”

Gratitude
Jennifer Gray, a school counselor at Gandy Elementary, says the stress balls are a big hit with students.

“Students use the calming corners when they’re upset and need a bit of time to calm themselves and be able to join the class again,” she explains. “Some students get anxious or worried and need to mindfully regroup. The students love the stress balls, and we are extremely grateful to the Service Fellows. Their community service has been very beneficial to our students.”

Service Fellows Program
The Service Fellows program enriches the learning experience and development of Fellows as they become builders of sustainable and just communities. The program is designed to operate much like a not-for-profit service organization. Service Fellows progress through four years of guided service, exploration, and reflection. Each Fellow will log more than 200 hours of direct service during his or her tenure in the program.

Giving Back
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.