Peru Immersion Captures Holy Cross Spirit of Service

Thirteen students and three staff members volunteered nearly 500 hours in the poverty-stricken community of Canto Grande, Peru, last spring as part of Campus Ministry's Peru Immersion Experience.

Service with a smile.
During the weeklong trip, students worked to beautify the campus of Fe y Alegria, a primary education facility. They also helped out in classrooms and spent a day playing games and organizing races with the schoolchildren. At Yancana Huasy, a facility for mentally and physically challenged children and adults, students helped prepare meals, carry out physical therapy sessions and make home visits with the physical therapists. They also organized activities for residents such as dances and arts-and-crafts workshops.

The global classroom.
In the evenings, the students and staff from St. Edward's attended workshops to learn about Peru's economic, political, religious and social climates. Topics ranged from an orientation of the Congregation of Holy Cross missions in Peru and "Immersion in the Context of a Liberal Arts Education" to a conversation with a local ministry team and a session on the economics of Peru.

A rich tradition.
The Peru Immersion Experience is deeply rooted in the history and mission of St. Edward's University, says Associate Director of Campus Ministry Lou Serna, '99. More than a century after St. Edward's was founded, students continue to gain a global perspective and work for social justice around the world.

"St. Edward's has so many rich traditions that make it a wonderful place to live and study," said immersion participant Kristi Richey, '06. "By participating in all that St. Edward's has to offer, I discovered that the most meaningful tradition for me is the university's commitment to serving others in need, whether they are on our own campus or across the world."

Read about other Campus Ministry programs and services. Support next year's Peru Immersion Experience by making a gift to The St. Edward's Fund.