The O'Connor Center Celebrates 25 Years of Community Service

Delhi, NY (01/31/2024) — The O'Connor Center for Community Engagement (OCCE) at SUNY Delhi is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Campus community members gathered at a kick-off party to enjoy refreshments and view displays of photographs and t-shirts from community service activities through the years.

OCCE was founded in 1999 "on a shoestring budget," according to Barbara Jones, Vice President for Student Life Emeritus. "It's hard to believe it was 25 years ago. I always felt that the O'Connor Center was the heart of the College and the Student Life division. It's an amazing program that brings people together."

"Commitment to service is a very special part of our campus culture," said John Padovani, Interim Vice President of Student Life at SUNY Delhi. "Every year, our students and volunteers put in many hours of community service, forming a wonderful connection between our campus and the local community."

Former OCCE director Abigail Brannen-Wilson, currently the Director of the Center for Faculty Excellence and Innovation at SUNY Delhi, echoed the sentiments: "The O'Connor Center has become more than a center for community service - it is a place for belonging for our students, a place to build connections and make a difference. I'm so proud of the philanthropic spirit of our campus and how it tells our story to the community."

According to Ann-Lis Glenn, the current coordinator of OCCE, anniversary celebrations will continue all semester long, including recognitions of SUNY Delhi's community partners and the A. Lindsay and Olive B. O'Connor Foundation, Inc. which supports the O'Connor Center through an annual grant. Students can participate in activities with special monthly themes. Upcoming themes include kindness in February, philanthropy in March, serving communities in April, and service-learning in May. SUNY Delhi's annual community service day will be held on Saturday, April 27.

About the O'Connor Center for Community Engagement

The O'Connor Center for Community Engagement serves as a clearinghouse for community service opportunities, developing partnerships, training, and programs that connect campus and community members, foster collaborative learning, meet local and student needs, and prepare students to become socially responsible citizens in a diverse world. The Center manages the campus food pantry and career closet and recognizes civic-minded students with annual awards. The Center is recognized with the Carnegie Elective Community Engagement Classification.

Visit www.delhi.edu to learn more.

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O'Connor Center for Community Engagement Coordinator Ann-Lis Glenn (second from left) at the anniversary kick-off party with student employees (l-r) Clarissa LeBell, Andre Byrd, and Opeyemi Adesanya.