In this week’s From the Archives, we highlight the enduring impact of Madison House and other community service organizations at the University. Community service has long been a cornerstone of student life at the University, strengthening the bond between the University and the Charlottesville community. From large-scale Days of Service to everyday acts of kindness, generations of students have embraced the call to “Walk with Honor and Lead to Serve,” demonstrating a deep commitment to civic engagement and the greater good.
1950s
Oct. 24, 1956
“Student Union Commences Blood Drive”
The University Student Union hosted a blood drive benefiting the Red Cross throughout November and December. They announced a plaque to celebrate the fraternity, sorority or ROTC unit that had the highest percentage of donations, as well as retroactive plaques for Chi Psi and Sigma Nu fraternities, who both had 100 percent donation rates in the Spring Blood Drive.
1960s
Oct. 23, 1963
“Benefit Show Will Present Decorative Art”
The Charlottesville Unit of Recording for the Blind hosted an art exhibition to support their program. Taking place at Farmington Country Club, the fundraiser helped highlight the work of the program, celebrated the arts and created volunteer opportunities.
1970s
Oct. 21, 1975
“Tutoring program seeks volunteers”
Madison House was searching for 70 volunteer tutors to service students at nine Charlottesville public schools, in addition to the 80-85 volunteers they already employed, the majority of which were students at the University. Each tutor would be matched with a student and would spend about an hour and a half each week helping them study. Occasionally, students would withdraw due to disillusionment with the program and the student they were helping, but Dallas Crow, director of Special Services for Charlottesville Public Schools, said that volunteers in recent years had a more realistic projection of their student's progress.
1980s
Oct. 24, 1985
“Madison House Celebrating 10 years of community service”
By Karen Burmeister
Photos by Katharine Ayres and Greg Vining
Celebrating 10 years of community service through Madison House, writer Karen Burmeister provided testimonies and depictions of service events on and off Grounds. Whether it was the Medical Services Program, the Big Brother/Big Sister Tutoring or the Seniors Program, students found multiple opportunities to pour into the greater Charlottesville area.
1990s
Ot. 21, 1996
“IFC, BFC to help build Habitat dwelling”
By Lorin Laiacona
The Inter-Fraternity Council and Black Fraternal Council announced a volunteering partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a crowdfunding project that would involve all 1,200 members of the fraternity community, plus their alumni. The IFC and BFC members would also build the dwelling, but the Charlottesville chapter of Habitat for Humanity would pick the owners of the new house, which they hoped would be a local low-income family. IFC Service Chairman Eric Giesler and IFC President Joe Altman both expressed hope that the project would increase connection between all members of the fraternity community, as well as inspiring similar projects around the University for years to come.
2000s
Oct. 23, 2006
“University student Meredith Powell helps children discover the world of art in Charlottesville”
By Daniel Reinish
Photos by Daniel Reinish
Fourth year College student Meredith Powell shares her experience volunteering at the Virginia Discovery Museum as a member of Madison House. Creating the “Art Adventures” program, Powell introduced Charlottesville youths to art and creative expression. Powell expressed her educational journey and fulfillment gained from days of crafts, popsicles and laughing with kids.
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