Kent State University alumni across the nation will make a difference in their communities at the Kent State University Alumni Association’s Fifth Annual National Alumni Day of Service on April 20. “It provides alumni an opportunity to connect with other

Kent State University alumni across the nation will make a difference in their communities at the Kent State University Alumni Association’s Fifth Annual National Alumni Day of Service on April 20.

“It provides alumni an opportunity to connect with other alumni, the community and their alma mater,” says Lisa Mascellino, assistant director of Kent State Alumni Relations.

Volunteer sites are located in Kent at Habitat for Humanity;  Ravenna at Loaves and Fishes;  Akron at Haven of Rest and Akron Canton Regional Food Bank;  Cleveland at Cornerstone of Hope; Stark County at Massillon Women’s Club; and Lake County at Lake County Historical Society.

In addition, Kent State Alumni Association area representatives are hosting service projects in Atlanta, at Chattahoochee Nature Center, and Houston, at Mission of Yahweh.

Not only do alumni have the opportunity to meet other alumni while giving back to their community, it also creates a sense of alumni pride.

Alumna Diana Richardson, 2010 graduate, participated in the National Day of Service last year at a church in Ravenna. She brought along her two granddaughters. Richardson says this experience made her granddaughters realize there are children less fortunate than they.

“Alumni who have volunteered at sites that work directly with the public have commented on the overwhelming connection they felt with the community and that organization,” says Mascellino.

Last year, there were 11 volunteer sites, more than 150 alumni volunteered and logged 576 hours of service.

Central Ohio Alumni Chapter President Matthew Busser, a 2002 graduate, says since the previous National Alumni Day of Service attendance at local alumni events has doubled.

“I will admit, Kent State athletics has played a major role in our success,” Busser says.

For more information about volunteer sites, times and registration, visit www.ksualumni.org/serviceday2013. The RSVP deadline is April 5.