Hundreds of CSM students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteer during Spirit of Service Day

OMAHA, Neb. – Hundreds of College of Saint Mary (CSM) students, faculty, staff and alumni volunteered at over 20 locations around Omaha during the annual Spirit of Service Day on April 17. 

“At College of Saint Mary, one of the core values that guides us is a deep commitment to servant leadership and social responsibility. Spirit of Service Day is a powerful way for us to live out that mission by giving our time and energy to causes that make a tangible difference right here in our own community,” said President Heather Smith during the kickoff event. 

Volunteer locations included, the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Food Bank of the Heartland, Girls Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center Inc., Table Grace Cafe, Urban Acres Horse Rescue and the Women's Center for Advancement. 

“For our students, this day offers a unique opportunity to take a break from your busy college schedules and experience firsthand the impact of your service, side by side with fellow peers, staff, faculty, and alumni. It’s a chance to connect with each other, engage in meaningful work, and reflect on how we, as a community, can create positive change,” Smith said. 

Now in its 28th year, Spirit of Service Day helps create a connection between the campus community and the Omaha community. 

“Spirit of Service Day is a meaningful day for our campus and broader community because it directly ties to our core mission of service at College of Saint Mary. In our mission, we are called to ‘attend to the needs of our community in a spirit of mutuality’ and Spirit of Service Day is a chance to answer that call,” said Marisa Mathews, director of student leadership and inclusive programming. “There is so much shared joy and fulfillment among students, faculty, staff and alumni in this effort and it gets us out into the greater Omaha community and connects us with organizations doing amazing work for others.” 

Alumni who participated in Spirit of Service Day connected with one another and current students.  

“Serving alongside students, staff and alumni during Spirit of Service Day deeply resonates with the values I embraced during my time as a theology student at CSM. Stepping away from the routine of daily work to transform simple tasks into impactful contributions is truly fulfilling. It’s not just about the work itself—it’s about learning the stories of the community we’re helping and forming connections with those we serve alongside,” said Jaclyn Maides ‘20, an alum and assistant vice president of alumni and donor relations at CSM. “I was especially moved by the opportunity to hear from fellow alumni about the incredible work they’re doing and to learn about the diverse degrees, backgrounds and even hobbies of current students. These shared moments of discovery and connection were both rewarding and inspiring.” 

Kathy Kersey ‘86, who received her Bachelor of Science in Business from CSM, participated in Spirit of Service Day for the first time this year. She joined students, staff and alumni at CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy to make cards for patients and sort T-shirts for staff appreciation. 

“It was a great experience. It was fun to connect with current students, alums who I hadn’t seen in a long time or had never met and staff. It was also great to give back and continue the spirit of mercy,” said Kersey.