BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Bridgewater College hosted its annual Volunteer and Service Fair on Sept. 17, bringing together local organizations and students to foster community engagement and highlight opportunities for service in the region.
Representatives from nonprofits and service groups filled the Kline Campus Center lobby, encouraging students to explore ways to give back while also building skills and connections. The fair hosted 12 organizations, offering opportunities ranging from environmental conservation to health care and social services.
For many students, the fair was a first chance to connect with the community beyond campus.
“It opens up a lot of opportunities for students, especially those that haven’t really looked around,” Senior Nate Herrman said. “Maybe you’ll find something that you had no interest in before, but now you do.”
Herrman added that he was particularly drawn to the Virginia State Park table, where he found resources that aligned with his career goals.
The fair provided a space for organizations to share their missions and recruit student volunteers. Sarah Outler, outreach and advancement manager for Brain Injury Connections, said her group works to provide case management for people recovering from brain injuries.
“Our goal is to make sure everything is individualized to each person because each brain injury is unique,” Outler said. “We help them access those services, we find them adaptive technology and we offer strategies.”
Outler said that events like the Volunteer and Service Fair not only benefit the organizations but also benefit the students, who may find new interests during the event.
“You may have never thought about something that you see here today and then that sparks an interest that adjusts your trajectory in college,” Outler said.
According to researchers at Western Connecticut State University, volunteering and community service are highly beneficial to a person. Volunteering can improve mental health, increase self-confidence and provide valuable career skills such as leadership, teamwork and problem solving.
The fair, now in its third year, was created by Benjamin Erickson, director of community engagement and senior instructor of communication studies.
Erickson said the fair benefits students beyond service hours by helping them build skills and connections.
This year, the fair saw over 180 students. Erickson said that nonprofits consistently give positive feedback about the event, noting how engaged students are when asking questions and showing interest.
“They were impressed with the student energy,” he said.
The fair demonstrated Bridgewater College’s commitment to strengthening connections with the surrounding community and offering students hands-on opportunities to engage beyond the classroom.
“Events like this are important because it’s good to have organizations or folks in the community know that Bridgewater students, faculty and staff want to help and serve the community that they’re part of,” Erickson said.
Students who were unable to attend the fair but want to learn more about volunteer and service opportunities can contact Erickson through the Bridgewater College website.
