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Galloway, N.J. – Students at �鶹��ý��վ engage in service-learning, a concept that combines community service with experiential learning through student-led projects.

Recognizing their efforts in the local community, the William T. Daly School of General Studies hosted an evening of student presentations in the Galloway Campus Center on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

The projects represented a broad range of courses within the Schools of General Studies, Health Science, Education and Natural Science & Mathematics.

For Lorra Panepinto, an Environmental and Marine Science junior from Staten Island, New York, the idea of participating in service-learning for her Physics course was unusual but ultimately fulfilling.

She and her group worked with Tech Trek, a collaborative program between �鶹��ý��վ and the American Association of University Women that selects female students from across the state for a week of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities on �鶹��ý��վ’s campus.  

“To prepare the girls for their experience over the summer, we built Lissajous figure apparatuses. We attached little lasers and, depending on the frequencies or wavelengths, we can make cool and interesting shapes. They were able to learn about radio and light dynamics and also play with lasers, so it was a win/win,” Penepentto said. 

“It was amazing to work with Tech Trek,” she continued. “All four of us are women in STEM, so knowing that we can help the next generation of girls reach the heights we’re reaching, it’s good for the soul. And it’s great to give back to the community in this way.”

Jason Allen-Roomet, an Environmental Science senior from West Deptford, worked with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife to help save the habitats of endangered local birds like Piping plovers and American oystercatchers.

This included clearing the sites of debris and creating new signage warning beachgoers to enjoy the sand and waves with caution.

“I love animals and I figured, any chance to protect these little birds, I’ll take it,” Allen-Roomet said. “There’s not much attention or awareness when it comes to these birds and how important they are for the coastal habitat they live within, so it’s nice to provide that for the birds since they can’t advocate for themselves.”

Other notable community partnerships included the nonprofit organization Save Barnegat Bay, local women’s shelter Adelaide’s Place and Stanley Holmes Village in Atlantic City.

Coordinator of Service-Learning Taylor Coyne aimed to provide students with a “meaningful platform” to showcase their semester-long work.

“This event not only recognizes their dedication and impact but also offers a conference-style environment where students can present their work to faculty, community partners, peers and campus leadership,” Coyne said. “By highlighting their service experiences, the Celebration of Service reinforces the importance of civic responsibility, deepens students’ understanding of course content and strengthens the relationships between �鶹��ý��վ and the community partners.”

– Story by Loukaia Taylor

– Photos by Susan Allen

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