Fort Schuyler Magazine

L iving on a college campus provides a community for students and a chance for them to independently participate in non-academic activities. Housing Director Tina MacCollum believes it is essential for residential students to positively impact others through community service activities. She, along with her Residential Life team Assistant Director of Housing Michelle Smith, Area Coordinator Alexis Grafakos, as well as Marine Transportation faculty member James Spear, coordinate the Midnight Run, a volunteer organization that dedicates itself to finding common ground between those who are housed and those who are homeless. Once a semester, the Residential Life team plans, coordinates and prepares the items donated by faculty, staff and students by sorting and organizing blankets, clothing, and all types of toiletries for distribution. Premium sandwiches and other foods/beverages are donated by Chartwells, the College’s on campus dining caterer and included in the list of items to be delivered on the night of the run. MacCollum agrees upon a distribution date with the Midnight Run office and the College is presented a list of delivery locations throughout the streets of Manhattan. “As housing director, I engage with students on student housing issues, but this experience allows me to engage with students in a different way where we’re all working together to help others,” said MacCollum. HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL LIFE Helping the Homeless

experiences, which students appreciate. “The students not only enjoy meeting and engaging with other people, but more importantly, they understand civic duty. They learn that they have a civic duty to help others in times of need,” said MacCollum. Students who participate in the Midnight Run are also exposed to a variety of individuals from different cultures. “This type of experience raises an awareness about the privileges one has and the importance of giving back to the community. I’m happy to be here to pay forward the things I have learned and teach students about helping others. They will soon be part of a global community and they can take these lessons with them when they leave this College.” “The students not only enjoy meeting and engaging with other people,...they understand civic duty. They learn that they have a civic duty to help others in times of need.” — Tina MacCollum

Maritime College vans filled with student volunteers, food and donations travel into the city with MacCollum and her team. “We usually bring four vans and students are active in delivering the food. It’s about an exchange of conversation and a human experience, which allows students to have that exchange with each individual they meet,” stated MacCollum. During their runs, students have been known to encounter veterans who share time conversing about their military

20 Fall 2022 Fort Schuyler