Grace Gewirtz
Student Leader for Holy Family

Grace Gewirtz is a third-year honors student studying Physiology & Neurobiology and Psychological Sciences with a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality studies. She originally joined Community Outreach during the fall semester of her freshman year as part of the Collegiate Health Service Corps. She continued working with the program, volunteering at the First Baptist Church, the Willimantic Senior Center, the Card Home For The Aged, and Project Hope. Her involvement in these programs inspired her to take on leadership roles within CO, and she now serves as a student leader for the Holy Family Shelter in Willimantic, CT.

There had not been a CO volunteer group at the shelter since 2020, so Grace was heavily involved with restructuring Holy Family into the amazing program it is today. Currently, she runs an after-school program for the children staying there. They play outside, read books, and do various arts and craft activities. She explains, “This experience has been incredibly meaningful, and I am so grateful for Holy Family Shelter for giving me all of my new little besties!”

In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, spending time with family and friends, reading, and working out. 

Ryan Klaiber
Transportation Schedule Manager

Ryan is a junior majoring in data science and engineering. He is currently the transportation schedule manager, helping to ensure all of our volunteer programs can safely get to their sites. Ryan initially joined CO as a driver, since he was looking for an on-campus job. "I first started out as a driver but was moved to office staff and eventually scheduling manager," Ryan says, "I've loved it ever since."

His favorite memory in CO is driving for the Give & Go initiative. For this move-out week event, Ryan drove loops around campus to pick up items that people no longer want, which then gets redistributed and donated to our community partners in the area. In his free time, Ryan likes to ski with friends in the winter, and golf and go on runs in the warm weather.

Campus Big Buddies

Campus Big Buddies travels to North Windham Elementary School to work with K-5 students in their after-school program. Student volunteers facilitate activities like bingo and coloring sheets in simple, fun ways to spark a connection between the children and participants. 

Under the leadership of Student Leader Maddie Moffat and in collaboration with community partner Omayra Torres, this semester marked an exciting milestone for the program, with a record-high participation of 13 dedicated student volunteers!

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program where UConn students are paired with a student (age 8-13) from our local communities to build strong bonds and create a positive impact.

Our BBBS program recently hosted "UConn Day," where Littles came to the Storrs campus to see where their Bigs go to school. The kids spent the afternoon rotating between stations around the Student Union with outdoor games, science experiments, and crafts

New York City, NY Alt Break - Urban Community Development

During spring break, a cohort of 10 undergraduate students participated in the New York City Alternative Break, focusing on urban community development. Grounded in the framework of People, Place, and Purpose, the program bridged the gap between academic knowledge and lived realities by engaging students directly with the community. Through this experience, participants examine the social, economic, and historical forces shaping urban neighborhoods while working alongside community organizations and local leaders. A typical day combines hands-on service, educational dialogue, and structured reflection, while also creating space for participants to take on shared leadership roles, guide group conversations, and contribute to a collective learning environment.

Participants partnered with a range of community-based organizations across New York City focusing on topics such as food insecurity, housing security, environmental injustices, etc.

Student Program Director Myeisa says a standout moment was when participants decorated meal delivery bags and assisted with grocery distribution for the Asian American elderly. “While many participants did not share the same cultural or generational identities as those served, the experience fostered meaningful connection through acts of care, intentionality, and respect.” Myeisa also wanted to give a huge thank you to Team Leader Keyron and Learning Partner Carl for their support.

Cosby, TN Alt Break - Appalachia and Rural Life 

In March, a group of students and community members traveled to Cosby, Tennessee, to engage in community service initiatives. While there, the group worked on construction projects at Empower and Sunset Gap, building a retaining wall and replacing an underground pipe; sorted and distributed food pantries; and built a family home for individuals transitioning out of rehab.

CO is incredibly grateful to Sunset Gap for being such a wonderful housing partner and service site, and to Empower Cocke County for being an outstanding service partner. Their dedication to the community made the experience meaningful and impactful for all participants. Natasha, the Student Program Director for the Appalachia and Rural Life Alternative Break, explains, “One of the most heartwarming parts of the week was seeing how well the group bonded. It has been so sweet to see people making plans to attend each other’s UConn clubs and to continue spending time together after the alternative break.” She also wants to give a special shout-out to Kinsey, the Team Leader, who did an incredible job bringing the group together!

Groton, CT Alt Break - Environmental Conservation

In March, CO held a weekend-long service-learning Alternative Break in Groton, CT, bringing together 10 student participants, two student leaders, and two learning partners, along with housing partner Project Oceanology. Participants had the opportunity to learn about and address pressing environmental issues. Throughout the weekend, participated in trail maintenance, beach cleanups, and sustainable farming practices to support environmental conservation and the protection of local ecosystems. Student Program Director Damonique explains that during their time in Groton, they moved between multiple sites to “gain a broader perspective on environmental conservation.” By spending a few dedicated hours at each location, they were able to observe ecological challenges and strategize ways to mitigate them.

Boston, MA Alt Break - Determinants of Health

11 Students and 1 staff member traveled to Boston, Massachusetts in March on the Determinants of Health Alt Spring Break. The program is centered on understanding the personal, economic, environmental, and community factors that influence an individual’s overall health and well-being. It taught students that health is shaped by more than just medical care, and is influenced by access to nutritious food, stable housing, economic resources, education, access to care, and community conditions.

During the trip, students prepared and served meals, sorted donations, assisted with clothing distribution, and assembled resource kits. In addition to service, participants engaged in guided reflection and discussion to connect their experiences back to the broader determinants of health and understand how these factors impact individuals and communities. Student Program Director, Pam, explained, “The program combines education, service, and reflection to help students develop a deeper, more holistic understanding of health." A dedicated Learning Partner guided reflection and helped participants connect their service experiences to the broader theme of determinants of health. They partnered with several community organizations: Each partner provides a unique perspective on issues such as housing, food access, resource distribution, and public health education.

New Bedford, MA Alt Break - Housing Security

From March 27th to March 29th, a cohort of 12 undergraduate students participated in the New Bedford, Massachusetts Housing Security Alternative Break. Students sat for various presentations and seminars, shared by community partners about substance abuse, the causes of housing insecurity, and how health circumstances contribute to housing insecurity. Participants also had hands-on service opportunities guided by organizations that supported passing out warm meals, clothing, and sanitary items. 

Student Program Director Kwaku explains, “ We wish to encourage current and future participants to continue to take action within their own communities, and be able to break down stigmas and barriers caused by a lack of knowledge, with the information they learn and service they participate in on this alternative break!” He also wanted to give a huge thank you to Team Leader Deep and Learning Partner Chris.

Special Olympics Penguin Plunge

On March 28th, the UConn Special Olympics Events Committee proudly worked in collaboration with Special Olympics CT, as well as the UConn police department, to organize and volunteer for the annual Penguin Plunge event located at Crandall Park in Tolland, Connecticut. Committee members, UConn students, law enforcement officers, families, and community members came together to take the plunge and support athletes of Special Olympics Connecticut. 

Through the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved, the event helped highlight the power of inclusion, community engagement, and support for SOCT athletes.

We are so grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, fundraised, and showed their support for this meaningful cause.

Summer, director of Special Olympics events, would like to extend a special thank you to our on-campus UCPD partner, Officer Dean Vertefeuille, who helped facilitate involvement and connection to this incredible opportunity!

Trans Day of Visibility Event

Students gathered to celebrate the Trans Day of Visibility on March 31 with Community Outreach and the UConn Rainbow Center. The TDOV is a nationally-recognized annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the achievements of trans individuals, while acknowledging the discrimination and violence that trans people face. This small-scale event featured educational components about the ways that trans and nonbinary folks share their identities together in community, as well as strategies for supportive allyship.

Special Olympics Husky Classic

April 6, 8am-4pm (games begin at 10am)

Sherman Family Sports Complex (outdoor field hockey field)

Join us for a day of fun and friendly competition during this annual soccer tournament! Spectators are welcome and volunteers are needed; fill out the interest form at s.uconn.edu/huskyclassic2026

For more information or accommodations, please contact: uconn.co.olympics@gmail.com and communityoutreach@uconn.edu

Give & Go

May 6-10

Storrs Residence Halls

Give & Go will be accepting items that students no longer need or want, like clothes, bedding, furniture, appliances, bikes, and scooters. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community while practicing sustainability. Instead of dragging things to the dumpster, Give & Go will have pop-up tents spread all across campus. 



Donate your items or volunteer for a shift!

Sign-up here.