A tradition of giving back
On a recent Super Service Saturday, Mavericks spent a day serving the community by volunteering at nine locations throughout Arlington.
Super Service Saturday, UTA’s annual day of community service, introduces new and returning Mavericks to different ways in which they can help the city of Arlington and its residents.
“I think this is a great event that gets people connected and starts to instill a sense of pride and appreciation for the Arlington community and all the awesome things happening here,” said Emily Ford, a UTA graduate assistant.
One volunteer site was the Lake Arlington Native Plant and Pollinator Garden. Traci Peterson, communications coordinator for the garden, said UTA volunteers have been with the organization since the beginning.
“Their service has been an essential part of our effort to build a demonstration garden for residents to learn about drought-tolerant native Texan plants,” Peterson said. “We’re looking forward to partnering with UTA’s Super Service Saturday for years to come.”
Volunteers also spent time at the O.S. Gray Natural Area, Fielder House, Randol Mill Park and Molly Hollar Wildscape. About 100 volunteers spent time next door to campus at Mission Arlington, which provides a variety of services and resources at no cost to its clients.
“We are always so grateful for the partnership with UTA volunteers,” said Tillie Burgin, director of Mission Arlington. “We get so much done when they come and help alongside us.”
Mavericks also do more than just connect with the community; they connect with other Maverick volunteers. Student organizations across campus participate in Super Service Saturday for team building between new and old members.
“We notice a lot of new volunteers join us with an organization they just joined, like their sorority or a student group,” Ford said. “Super Service Saturday is an event that bring them together, and it can also be an event for Mavericks to meet each other.”