Navy, teal and coffee-colored signs hang from the light posts bordering Gonzaga University’s campus with bold admonitions:  Be inspired. Find your passion. Live your faith. Fulfill your potential. Serve one another.

Tall marching orders, but for Kora Kilpatrick, Community Events Coordinator for the Gonzaga Student Body Association, and fellow leadership students, those phrases are more than catchy PR slogans. “I think it’s important for the student government to be involved and active in service to set an example for the rest of our students and send a message that Gonzaga cares about the surrounding community,” Kora said.

The Student Body Association chose the Union Gospel Mission for its 2009-10 service initiative, and students have been creatively engaged in volunteer and fundraising efforts since the beginning of the school year. Kora has facilitated several events aimed at expanding awareness:  a coffee house concert that featured the video stories of homeless men, women and children; a dessert night where students and homeless men sat down together to explore the issues surrounding homelessness; No-Shave November with t-shirts proclaiming, “I didn’t shave for charity” sold to benefit the Mission; and a toilet paper drive.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the students’ most beneficial acts of service, however, is also the simplest:  each Tuesday night several students serve dinner at the Men’s Shelter. Both the students and the men they serve spoke of breaking down barriers.

Pria, a Gonzaga junior, said:  “I was surprised at how warm and welcoming it is here. We pray before dinner.  It’s like family.” Andee, a senior, agreed: “We’re all human – just people coming together to eat and take a break from both of our realities. We give – sure – but they give back incredibly more with their smiles and conversation.”

Andrew, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, wants to be a police officer. He said coming to the Mission is a meaningful way to experience a slice of the real world. “We’re pretty secluded at school and surrounded by privilege, so this is a great reminder that not everyone is blessed with something as simple as a meal.”

Always Grateful

Megan, a senior, said serving at the Mission was the highlight of her week – a refreshing break from classes, homework and studying, and Patrick, a junior, said he appreciated seeing the direct impact of what he was doing. “Every single person is so thankful. I’ve never encountered anyone who was rude or less than incredibly appreciative.” He likes to joke with the men about their favorite sports teams and give them something to smile about.

“Serving dinner has definitely changed my view of homelessness. It has really put a face on the issue, and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to help out, even if it is just the small task of serving dinner once a week” – Heidi Pettit, junior.

Clyde, a Mission resident, said the college students’ service means a lot to him: “They’re giving their time to make our lives better.” Phil, also in the Mission’s recovery program and a participant in the evening of dessert and discussion, said he was a little nervous about going to the Gonzaga campus at first. “But it was a great experience.  Both sides shared their perspectives, and we learned a little about each other.” 

Through their service, the Gonzaga Student Body Association has helped to build a bridge between two worlds that might not otherwise meet.  Kora summed up:  “What I have learned through my exposure at the Mission is that everyone has their own unique story and circumstances that have made them down and out. I think it’s wonderful that these brave people choose to turn their lives around and that the Mission is so supportive and willing to help.”