Students Share Service Projects at CESG Showcase

Nearly 60 freshmen presented posters outlining service projects and discussed their experience with a crowd of faculty, staff, peers and supporters on April 24 at the Civic Engagement for Social Good (CESG) First-Year Student Service Showcase. Held in the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center, the event featured lively discussions and the opportunity to collaborate on future work.

"This spring, first-year CESG students completed semester-long community engagement projects with local partners, addressing issues such as food access, educational opportunity, environmental conservation, and animal welfare," said Associate Director Julie Randolph. "Our poster showcase highlights their contributions and how building on community strengths and expertise fosters meaningful social change."

Part of College Park Scholars, CESG (previously known as CIVICUS), supports students as they work with organizations addressing a range of societal challenges. CESG is housed in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS), and is directed by Dr. Korey Rothman.

CESG student Kate Behe, a freshman majoring in global health in the School of Public Health, volunteered with the Maryland Book Bank. There, she helped to make sure that donated books got into the hands of children and parents.

"Thankfully, from donations around the country, there is never a shortage of books, and therefore never a shortage of sorting to be done! One of my favorite parts of volunteering at the Book Bank was stocking the Bookmobile that gets taken to local elementary schools, parks, and places where there are high volumes of children. Knowing that the books that I have sorted are being put into the hands of young individuals makes me so happy, because I know they're choosing to engage in an activity that will better their future and ability to learn. Reading is important, and knowing that I am helping to make a change in literacy rates around my community is so fulfilling," Behe said.

Behe said that volunteering through CESG and beyond has been a meaningful part of her student experience, and she encourages others to get involved.

"For someone who wants to get involved with service, I would encourage people to start small," Behe said. "You can make a difference in your community by engaging in the small, simple tasks. Get involved in ways that align with your interests at first, and then you can find other opportunities to branch out."

BSOS Dean Susan Rivera attended the event, and said she was impressed by the students' dedication, and the broad range of people and causes they supported through their work.

"I am proud of and inspired by CESG students, who are investing time and energy in making a difference in their communities," Dean Susan Rivera said. "From literacy to food insecurity to animal welfare, CESG students are addressing important issues in meaningful ways."

Published on Mon, Apr 27, 2026 - 10:49AM