This year, 689 volunteers partnered with 31 community organizations across Rowan County, reflecting Catawba’s commitment to living out its ideal of Scholarship with Character and Culture for Service.
The day began with opening remarks from President David P. Nelson, Romar Morris of NextGen Academy, and Christina Rary of the Rowan County Literacy Council, who spoke about the importance of collaboration, leadership, and giving back.
Volunteers engaged in a wide range of activities, including tutoring and mentoring, food bank and shelter support, park cleanups, senior outreach, and beautification projects — strengthening the bonds between Catawba and the community it calls home. In one highlight, volunteers from Catawba’s science programs partnered with Salisbury High School students for hands-on STEM activities, sparking curiosity and building connections through discovery.
The event’s success was made possible by the support of local partners. Country Donuts and El Patron provided refreshments, while transportation for volunteers was generously coordinated through Rowan-Salisbury Schools in the morning and by CatawbaGo, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Catawba Athletics, and the Lilly Center in the afternoon.
The Day of Service concluded with a Vocation Dinner and panel discussion hosted by President Nelson. Panelists Dr. ChaMarra Saner, Coach Matthew Geaering, and Dr. J. Ben Jones shared reflections on calling, purpose, and service, encouraging students to integrate these values into their personal and professional lives.
Catawba’s Day of Service is the first of four annual Pillar Days, followed by the Day of Character, Day of Culture, and Day of Scholarship. These traditions highlight the values at the heart of the Catawba experience and demonstrate how Good Goes Far.
