Service Programs

At St. Edward's University, service to others and to communities near and far underscores our mission and Holy Cross heritage. Combine action with personal reflection. Gain a deeper understanding of yourself as you clarify your personal values, and embrace a sense of shared responsibility for creating a better world.

There are a number of ways for you to get involved in service. A sample of organizations and far-ranging service opportunities includes:

The BIG Event

Held each April and sponsored by the Student Government Association, this super-sized community service project benefits our most immediate neighbors and neighborhoods. You will join other students, faculty and staff members in helping clean, paint and mend homes, churches, parks and schools in the community surrounding St. Edward's University. Multiple sites host more than 200 volunteers each year.

Founders Day Service Project

Every October, the St. Edward's University community celebrates Founders Day to honor our Holy Cross founders and French heritage. A central part of the event is the Founders Day Service Project, which invites you to roll up your sleeves and assist multiple organizations throughout the region.

MLK March

Each January, you can join multicultural members of the Austin community by volunteering at the annual MLK Day of Service at Huston-Tillotson University, one of the nation's historically black universities.

Service and Mentorship

Psychology major Maria Daniela Acosta ’12 has been profoundly impacted by the disabled individuals she has served over the years. As part of Bona Terra, Joni and Friends and other programs, she coordinated activities, taught classes and encouraged participants to believe in themselves. She participated in the university’s Alternative Spring Break, The BIG Event and Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. On campus, she mentored fellow students through Hilltop Mentors and the Anchors program.