Student Story

We are aiming to have several events throughout the semester that will not only connect us to our community but make it a better community for everyone.”

Ryan Bravo is an Environmental and Sustainability major and Secondary Education minor at Catawba. He is a member of the Spanish club and most recently a leader in the Service Scholars Program.

The Service Scholars Program is a program which empowers student leaders to learn more about service by leading events that help to further develop their leadership abilities. The program’s mission is to inspire and enlighten students by emphasizing service and leadership as fundamental elements in the journey towards responsible citizenship that is driven by a zeal to enrich our world and those who inhabit it.  

Ryan says one of the main goals of the program, “is to help non-profits in the Salisbury and Rowan community by having members of the college engage in volunteer-led events, like what was done on the Day of Service.”

He adds, “One day you could be helping youth on Happy’s Farm engage with the farm animals. Another day you could help to cook meals for the homeless. We are aiming to have several events throughout the semester that will not only connect us to our community but make it a better community for everyone.”

Ryan’s role in the program as a Student Leader is to recruit students to join and develop relationships with the Salisbury and Rowan community. He does this by coordinating and partaking in events where he works alongside local organizations.

When asked what the program has planned for the near future, Ryan said, “We will continue building the program up and recruiting new members from the college.”

In addition to his work as a service scholar, Ryan currently serves on the Rowan County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.