About SERVE

Adopt-a-Grandparent

This program partners with local assisted-living and nursing home facilities to give USD students the opportunity to develop a relationship with an elderly adult through weekly visits. This program was created to fulfill the basic idea that people need people. Weekly visitations can be done at your convenience but must consist of a minimum of one hour a week. All members are expected to participate in the group monthly events. At these events, you and your grandparent will participate with other AAG pairs in fun activities ranging from painting bird houses to bingo to frosting cookies.
Chairs: Brooke Hillman (Brooke.Hillman@coyotes.usd.edu) and Mary Schaefer (Mary.J.Schaefer@coyotes.usd.edu)

Adopt-a-School

This program connects USD students with teachers and students at Vermillion's elementary and middle schools. By commiting at least one hour a week, you are able to to help teachers and impact students through classroom involvement, teacher assistance, and tutoring for students at the school. You will be matched up with a teacher/classroom and are then able to set a time that works best with your schedule as well as the teacher's.
Chair: Alyssa Marquardt (Alyssa.Marquardt@coyotes.usd.edu)

Big Pal/Little Pal

This program pairs USD students with students from Austin, Jolley and St. Agnes Elementary schools to form a special friendship. You will have the opportunity to be a role model and impact a child's life through your relationship with your little pal. Big pals are expected to spend at least one hour each week with their little pal and attend monthly group events. The group activities may include movie parties, bowling and field trips. (Please note that this group typically has many more applicants than available little pals; therefore, if you want to be sure that you get involved with SERVE then you may want to apply to another program as well.)
Chairs: Kate Bauer (Katheryn.Bauer@coyotes.usd.edu) and Karli Siemonsma (Karli.Siemonsma@coyotes.usd.edu)

Cultural Connections

This program matches USD students with international students to help acclimate them to life at USD and in the United States. You will spend time with your international partner on a weekly basis to build a relationship and aid in their adjustment to USD and American culture. The pairs will also take part in monthly social activities, such as going bowling, attending a theatre production, or enjoying a campfire with s'mores.
Chair: Kayla Chesnut (Kayla.Chesnut@coyotes.usd.edu)

Heroes

This program allows USD students to serve as role models and mentors to middle school participants. Monthly activites are held throughout the year where all participants come together as one big group. Because middle school students are not paired directly with a USD student, they have the opportunity to develop cooperative and group skills. USD students also aim to enhance the middle schoolers' self-esteem and relationships. As a member of Heroes, you will attend meetings to plan the monthly event for the middle school students, along with the actual event. Past events have included rollerskating, kickball tournaments, and going to the movies downtown.
Chairs: Kaylee Bahr (Kaylee.A.Bahr@coyotes.usd.edu) and Bailey Fish (Bailey.Fish@coyotes.usd.edu)

Variations of Volunteering

This program connects USD students with local organizations needing volunteers. You will be matched up with an organization based on your interests and the availability of volunteer sites. As a Variations of Volunteering member, you will be expected to volunteer at least one hour per week at your organization. Past organizations involved in the program include Sharing the Dream, Vermillion Food Pantry, Vermillion public libraries, DVSOS, and more. VoV provides an outstanding opportunity to make an impact on the local Vermillion community!
Chair: Natalie Keller (Natalie.Keller@coyotes.usd.edu)

Overall SERVE Co-Chairs