Volume XXXVIII | February 2026 | | |
"I call something a miracle when an ordinary person achieves something extraordinary. We all have the potential to create miraculous changes."
-Tina Turner
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“The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” This was Bad Bunny’s message to us during the Super Bowl this year, and a great reminder of how important our work is in the community. We know that it’s really cold in February and that staying inside is a temptation, but we want you to know how proud we are that you get out there anyway! You are agents of care and connection in the wider world, and we could all use a little of that for one another too. So, in the spirit of love, enjoy the season of giving from your heart, as we share the work in the semester ahead!
-Meg Marshall, Assistant Director of UConn Community Outreach
| Student Leaders of the Month | | |
Elise Ellis
Program Director for Puerto Rico Alternative Break
Elise currently serves as the Student Program Director for the Community Sustainability Alternative Break to Puerto Rico. She is currently a senior and is majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Giving back to the community and encouraging cultural diversity has been paramount to her vision. She says, “ I would not be where I am today without the help of my community, and I believe that our different cultures are part of the beauty in diversity all around us. Community Outreach gives me an opportunity to understand culture and my role in my community.” She saw the Alt Break to Puerto Rico as an opportunity to learn, immerse herself, and grow as an individual. Today, she continues to share her experience with those wanting to be a part of future Alt Break opportunities!
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Julia Fok
Program Director for Costa Rica Alternative Break
Julia currently serves as the Student Program Director for the Costa Rica Alternative Break. In her role, she helps oversee and lead the program, support participants, and work closely with our community partners to ensure the trip is “meaningful, ethical, and impactful for both students and the host community.” Her favorite memory from the Costa Rica trip this winter was catching up and getting to know other student participants from UConn, and watching the kids of the community proudly show off their drawings despite the language barrier.
Julia is currently a junior studying in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Human Development and Family Studies. Julia joined Community Outreach because she wanted to be involved in a service that provided opportunities to work intimately with the community and reflect upon her impact. What she’s enjoyed most in her current role has been the interactions with those inside and outside of her circle.
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Cross Cultural Connections
Cross Cultural Connections (CCC) pairs undergraduate international and fluent English-speaking students as conversation partners. International students can strengthen their grasp of the English language and familiarize themselves with American culture, while student conversation partners get the opportunity to learn about different cultures. Partners are matched based on shared interests, similar academic majors, and the potential to form a meaningful connection. Once paired, partners can coordinate and plan to meet for 4 hours a month to converse or to enjoy an activity together! Currently, Cross Cultural Connections has 15 student conversation pairs.
CCC is the program that it is because of the strong support of all involved. A special shoutout goes to Program Director Abhigna Reddy, Assistant Program Director Jachimma Anaedo, and Community Partner, Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS).
Last semester, Cross Cultural Connections hosted a spooky night of Halloween-Themed fun! Participants enjoyed painting pumpkins, ghosts, and vampires, while engaging in conversation with other CCC members. Here’s to even more exciting events and memories in the semester ahead!
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Costa Rica Community Development Alternative Break
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For the winter recess, a group of students traveled to Costa Rica for the Community Development Alternative Break. They stayed at the Los Jazmines school, working alongside community members, painting wall art and murals, and helping cement a sidewalk. Despite the language barrier, participants and community members connected over a competitive game of soccer and drawing pictures together.
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Puerto Rico Community Sustainability Alternative Break
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Another group of students and community members were able to immerse themselves in the Puerto Rican culture during break. Students talked with locals and gained insight into the vulnerability of the land and measures put in place for conservation efforts. They went to beaches and prepared areas for leatherback turtles to nest, and they helped replant outgrown plants in the local gardens and orchards. Through various service partnerships with local non-profits and community members, they left with a greater appreciation of environmental conservation and the importance of a healthy planet for all.
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MLK Day of Service
The MLK Day of Service honors the life and mission of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On January 19th, nearly 200 students dedicated their morning to on or off-campus community service. Students prepared baby blankets, made wellness kits, or packed 900 lbs of food at our local soup kitchens.
After morning service, students reconvened in the ballroom for lunch and then sat in for a Fireside Chat held by Alicia McKenzie, Director of the H. Fred Simons African American Cultural Center, and Angela Rola, the Founding Director of the Asian American Cultural Center. This year’s theme was “Learning to Build Peace and Unity within our Communities." They discussed intersectionality and how this influences their identities in society, and the importance and implications of serving all communities.
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Spring Involvement Fair
The Involvement Fair was held on February 4th in Gampel Pavilion. Organizations across campus welcomed hundreds of students interested in getting involved. Although smaller than the fall fair, it was a great opportunity to spotlight Community Outreach programs available to students, like one-time service events and semester-long opportunities. Programs like Campus-Wide Initiatives and Preschool BookPals tabled to recruit new volunteers. Students stopped by to ask questions, pick up some CO stickers, and follow our Instagram.
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Office Mini Golf
Monday, February 16th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm
CO Office (SU 204)
The Community Building Committee is hosting office mini golf. We will be setting up some creative obstacles around the office from 5 PM - 6 PM so feel free to join early!
RSVP on UConntact with the link below.
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Come & See Events
Tuesday, February 24th at 5:00pm
Wednesday, March 4th at 12:00pm
CO Office (SU 204)
Would you like to learn more about Community Outreach and student leadership opportunities? Stop by our office for one of our “come and see” events to learn more about getting involved in CO!
Learn more about student leader positions and RSVP with the link below.
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Black History Month
February is a time to remember and reflect on the lives, struggles, and sacrifices of Black individuals who fought for justice, equality, and freedom. This month honors the rich history, the accomplishments, and the contributions of all Black Americans and commits to a more just and inclusive future.
Resources :
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Apply to be a CO Student Leader!
Thinking about getting involved with Community Outreach leadership? We are actively recruiting coordinators and leaders for the next academic year. Student leader applications are live and can be found on UConntact. Stop by one of our "Come and See" events or click below to apply!
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Volunteers Needed: CTMOM Free Dental Clinic
The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CFDO) facilitates the delivery of charitable dental care to the underserved. Each year, the CFDO organizes the Connecticut Mission of Mercy (CTMOM) Free Dental Clinic.
CTMOM is seeking volunteers to help with event breakdown specifically on Saturday, April 18th after the clinic at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs. Visit their website to learn more or click below to register.
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Follow our socials!
@uconnoutreach
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