‘Niagara Plunge’ Immerses Freshmen In Service Learning
The intent of the Niagara Plunge is to immerse Niagara University freshmen.
Not in freezing water as was the case when more than 300 new NU students completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge last weekend, but rather in the service-based mission that defines the Catholic and Vincentian institution.
Emily Doyle, of Horseheads, N.Y., initially viewed the Plunge as an opportunity to move in to her residence hall before her peers. She quickly learned that the Campus Ministry-sponsored program would offer her much more.
“Throughout my first few days at NU, I realized that the Plunge has nothing to do with getting a head start on moving in; it’s about falling in love with your faith. Once the week ended and I reflected on my service, I came to the conclusion that I not only went out of my comfort zone to perform service for the poor, but I did it with God by my side,” Doyle said.
Doyle was one of 25 Niagara freshmen who participated in the program this year, which requires students to forego the final week of their summer vacation to perform community service at numerous locations, including Community Missions, Carolyn’s House, Historic Holy Trinity church, Meals on Wheels and Heart, Love and Soul.