A&M International's Volunteer Recognition Day Mon., Oct. 23

Texas A&M International University students, staff, and faculty who perform community service will be honored during the University's First Annual Volunteer Recognition Day on Monday, Oct. 23.

The day will begin with a Volunteer Fair from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the University Green.

Event co-organizer David VerMilyea, director of Student Development at A&M International, said the Fair is designed to encourage members of the University community to volunteer with local non-profit and governmental agencies.

"Local agencies participating in the Volunteer Fair will provide information on the types of volunteer opportunities they have available. They will also provide brief descriptions of volunteer duties, and a listing of skills required for specific volunteer assignments," explained VerMilyea.

The information provided by the participating agencies will be published in a directory of volunteer opportunities that will be distributed to A&M International students.

VerMilyea noted that a large number of A&M International students already participate in volunteer efforts through over 30 student organizations chartered at the University.

"We encourage student organizations to participate in community service projects but we want to see all A&M International students involved in community efforts. One goal of the Volunteer Fair is to increase volunteerism among students who are not active in student organizations," he said.

Volunteer Recognition Day activities will culminate with a luncheon in the University's Great Room from 1 to 2 p.m. for students, faculty and staff who have been active volunteers over the past two years. The luncheon will include a recognition ceremony to honor these volunteers. Three student organizations, the Student Ambassadors, Rotaract Club, and Student Government Association, will host the luncheon and ceremony.

For more information, contact the Department of Student Development at 326-2260 or visit offices located in the Kinesiology Convocation Building, room 107. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu