Alumni News “One Wick Worldwide” Highlights Hartwick’s 225 Years of Giving Back

In a nod to its long history of service, civic engagement and volunteerism, Hartwick College today launched an ambitious initiative that challenges members of its community to participate in acts of kindness – no matter where they are in the world.

A year-long service drive, “One Wick Worldwide,” will recognize and inspire acts of kindness throughout Hartwick’s worldwide community. A milestone event in Hartwick’s 225th-anniversary celebration, the initiative kicked off at 12:30 p.m. February 25 (2-25) on the College’s YouTube page and featured the College’s Board of Trustees Chairman David H. Long ’83, H’14.

“A sense of place has always been incredibly important to Hartwick College,” said President Margaret L. Drugovich. “For us, it is more than a physical space. It is also the way we think of our community and how we invest in one another. ‘One Wick Worldwide’ underscores the importance of that investment and will inspire, chronicle, share and celebrate the volunteer action that Hartwick people take to improve their communities – whether those places are around the corner or across the globe.”

How Does “One Wick Worldwide” Work?

Participants register by signing and submitting a pledge form and, once registered, can receive a unique “One Wick Worldwide” challenge bracelet. Volunteers can choose any form of service or act of kindness, either individually or in groups. Even activities already scheduled before the program started are eligible. From shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk to joining a service trip for Habitat for Humanity, no act is too small – it’s the effort that counts.

Once an activity is completed, participants are asked to send in a photo and description of their act of kindness. Throughout the year, the College will celebrate on its social media channels and beyond the acts of kindness as they take place and are submitted.

Along with choosing one’s own ways to participate, special volunteer opportunities and monthly themes will be promoted throughout the year. Hartwick students can find opportunities through the Civic Engagement office. The College also has several volunteer programs for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, including:

• The Classroom Connections Program puts alumni and friends of the College in the classroom – and other settings – to share their experience and professional insights with students. Volunteering to be a speaker, either virtually or in-person, is another form of volunteering.
• TrueBlue Connect provides Hartwick alumni with opportunities to network and mentor students who are eager to hear about their professional and career experiences.
• Other volunteering/giving events throughout the year to celebrate the College’s 225th anniversary.

For more information or to register for One Wick Worldwide, visit the webpage or contact Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Kimberly Hastings at hastingsk@hartwick.edu or (607) 431-4045.