Students and faculty go into the community to live out PC’s motto: ‘While We Live, We Serve.’
Presbyterian College students and faculty took to the community on Saturday, Sept. 6, for Fall Service Day, honoring the 60th anniversary of Student Volunteer Services (SVS) and reaffirming the college’s commitment to service.
Despite the lure of a busy weekend, the college’s service tradition drew strong participation across Laurens County. Volunteers worked at gardens, churches, equestrian centers, and animal shelters — and even on PC’s own campus — to strengthen ties and support local organizations.
Carrying a Tradition Forward
The Rev. Dr. British Hyrams, the Jack and Jane Presseau Associate Chaplain, reflected on the legacy of SVS.
“As we celebrate 60 years of SVS, I am elated to say that number of students interested in being leaders and those wanting to volunteer are both on the upswing,” Hyrams said. “The break that the pandemic caused has not prevailed! I appreciate the leadership and enthusiasm of the students who embody the PC commitment to service, they keep SVS alive. Here’s to another 60 years!”
Faculty Perspective
Dr. Justin Brent, professor of English, noted the energy of the day.
“Yeah, we had a great morning; just a really cool vibe out there among the students,” Brent said.
Students at the Heart of Service
For many students, the day was about connection, tradition, and discovery.
Freshman Dean Ezzell of Charleston said the event was a natural way to get involved.
“I figured it would be a good time and a good way to serve my community,” he said.
Junior Garrett Oliver of Pelion echoed PC’s motto in his reflection on helping at Springdale Methodist Church.
“It was a pleasure to help the lovely people of Springdale Methodist Church,” Oliver said. “I love upholding our motto ‘While we live, we serve’.”
Senior Lyle Jones of Mauldin, co-director of SVS, highlighted the anniversary’s meaning.
“Fall Service Day has been a tradition in some capacity for a long time, so getting to participate in such a tradition, especially during the 60-year anniversary of SVS, is a blessing,” Jones said. “It makes it evident that our motto is truly a part of PC, rather than simply another slogan.”
SVS co-director Abby Donaldson praised both the turnout and the impact.
“I think the service day went really well. Despite several other events going on, such as Bid Day and the PC vs. Furman game, we had a good turnout for Service Day,” Donaldson said. “We were able to benefit a wide variety of organizations and help in several different ways. From helping out at the humane society to garden clean up and weeding, students from PC united to help out our community. We were even able to have an impact on campus by creating and displaying inspirational notes which are now hung up around campus.”
“It is encouraging to see students, and even professors, come together and partner with the community to leave a positive impact,” she added. “I love being involved with the community and view service as a wonderful opportunity to do so while also having the chance to gain meaningful relationships with fellow volunteers. Volunteering really brings people together and I love seeing that.”
Sophomore Josh Pickett of Plainfield, Ill., and a member of the Blue Hose men’s basketball team, said service has expanded his perspective.
“For me, coming from a heavy academic and athletic background, I’ve never sought out many opportunities to volunteer in my community, as I thought the work was too time consuming and too much of a commitment,” Pickett said. “When I got to PC though, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed volunteering in the community and making new friends along the way!
“Doing new things, such as gardening and making food to help the war against hunger, has been a great pleasure, and I can’t wait to continue serving the community in my time here at PC and beyond!”
Wide-Ranging Impact
PC students served at multiple sites, including:
- The Community Garden
- The Humane Society
- Palmetto Equestrian Therapeutic Barn
- Springdale Methodist Church
- The Laurens County Public Library Garden
- On-campus efforts, such as creating encouragement cards in the Springs Great Room
From tending community gardens to supporting local nonprofits and even boosting campus spirit with inspirational messages, PC students and faculty embodied the call to serve.
Living the Motto
Fall Service Day reaffirmed PC’s 60-year-old service tradition and showcased how students, faculty, and staff continue to live out the college’s guiding principle: “While We Live, We Serve.”
As Hyrams put it, the enthusiasm of today’s student leaders keeps that tradition alive — with more decades of service ahead.
