Rockford University's most famous alumna inspires another day of giving back
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Classes were canceled Wednesday at Rockford University allowing time for students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in the annual Jane Addams Day of Service.
In celebration of Rockford University’s most famous alumna, Jane Addams — and her September birthday — participants spent the day volunteering for about 35 community service projects on and off campus.
Starting at 8:30 a.m. students boarded buses that took them to several locations in the Rockford area from Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter and Miss Carly’s, to the Rockford Rescue Mission, Goodwill, Beyer Stadium and Northwest Community Center.
When the students returned, they were presented with "swag bags" filled with a black Day of Service t-shirt, candy and a sticker.
"It's a good way for students to learn more about the community and also give them some idea of what people do when they work at places like Miss Carly's or the animal shelter or other organizations," said Mary Weaks-Baxter, director of the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement at Rockford University.
More: Rockford University upholds ideals of its most prolific graduate Jane Addams
Students volunteered on campus, as well. Some painted. Others cleaned. And they were joined by other volunteers.
Alumna Sue Crandall, who started at Rockford College in 1953 and graduated in 1983 with a degree in anthropology and sociology, is a self-professed Rockford history buff.
She wore a period black dress and portrayed Addams. She said if the Nobel Peace Prize recipient were alive, she would have been more than pleased with the acts of kindness performed in her name.
"I think this would be exactly what she would want people to do," Crandall said.
"She was one to teach people to take care of themselves and to help teach people to take care of themselves. Today, these young people are going to learn how people are taking care of others and the best way to do it."
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford University honors Jane Addams with acts of kindness
