In February, St. Edward’s launched the 125 Service Challenge, to reflect Holy Cross tradition and emphasize the value of service within the community.

The challenge asks St. Edward’s students, faculty and staff to individually volunteer 125 service hours by Dec. 31 in attempts to reach a total of 75,000 hours.

As of press time 16,279.33 co-cirricular hours have been logged since Jan. 1. The academic service learning hours, those which are directly related to course work, have not yet been counted.

Next semester there will be a celebratory event that honors individuals who complete the 125 total service hours.

“At first, 125 hours seem pretty daunting, but it’s more of a spiritual challenge than it is a mental one: when you give your time, you’re giving part of yourself, your conversation, and your compassion to others,” junior Kadence Hampton said. “Afterwards you discover the beauty of the world around you in the smiles of those who you’ve helped to overcome some struggle in their life.”

Many students have since made an effort to accomplish the challenge; some are making their last strides for victory.

“Through the Social Justice Service Outreach (SJSO), Campus Ministry, and the American Chemical Society, I am finding the service project to be very possible to complete,” junior Ali Khorasani said. “I am currently lacking about 23 hours, and the university offers so many different opportunities to achieve my goal.”

Campus Ministry offer many ways for the community to participate in volunteer service. Upcoming events include Freshmen Service Project in late September and Miles for a Mission in October.

St. Edward’s Reflect Volunteer Engage (S.E.R.V.E.) are cooperating with several organizations, such as The Salvation Army, Egg Ministry, River City Youth Foundation and Catholic Charities Angels of Hope Food Pantry.

SJSO, will be hosting a Founders Day service project among others to obtain their 125 hours for the Service Challenge.

“The greatest part about participating in the 125 challenge is looking back upon the year and realizing that this time was not lost …[and] recognizing how you’ve become a better person by realizing your potential to make a difference,” Hampton said.

Khorasani agrees that this challenge takes the St. Edward’s experience off campus.    

“I honestly think I have a service addiction,” Khorasani said. “I feel drained and stressed if I don’t contribute to the community. I need to do something interactive and productive aside from attending class and doing homework. Volunteering is a reminder that there is a reason as to why I am here.”