“These trips will celebrate Quincy University’s longstanding tradition of serving the community over the past 150 years,” said Brian Silverstein (Class of 2009), Campus Ministry graduate assistant who serves as outreach director. “This particular service project demonstrates that it is not the size of the school that matters, but the passion and dedication of helping others, something that QU deeply believes in.”

While several of the outreach project activities include some physical labor, the primary mission is to connect with individuals and communities being served through the ministry of presence. This ministry, a central theme among the Franciscans, largely concentrates on the cultivation of relationships with those being served and reinforces the value of “being” rather than simply “doing.”

“The ministry of presence, in our case, involves traveling to a location and doing more than just physical labor. We stress the importance of creating a more personal connection with the individuals being served and affecting them in a way that they do not usually experience,” said Kyle Leonard (Class of 2009), Campus Ministry graduate assistant who serves as the outreach coordinator.

Another focus of the project is to raise awareness to the many community-based organizations that are in dire need of help during these hard economic times.

Each project will consist of three to five volunteers. The majority of projects are scheduled during the university’s winter and spring breaks; however there are some remaining states that need volunteers.

All service trips are arranged by the volunteer group and are funded entirely by donations. The cost of each project ranges anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per person, so donations and sponsorships are invited.

“When our small groups work together and are genuinely committed to the cause, there is a special experience that occurs that cannot be described in words,” said Silverstein. “While we understand that is it a difficult economic time, we hope people see the good in what we are trying to accomplish. Every little bit helps.”

For more information or ways to support the anniversary project, visit www.quincy.edu and click on the “50 States Service Project” link, e-mail , or call Campus Ministry at (217) 228-5432, ext. 3619.