Volunteerism: The Virtues of Community Service
The Office of Volunteer Opportunities provides UST students, staff, faculty and alumni a resource to increase personal and academic growth through community service. In partnership with community organizations, OVO is committed to addressing the needs of people and to fostering a culture of service and civic responsibility in the campus community. The mission of OVO is to support the University in the fulfillment of its mission to engage students and others: OVO carries out its mission by encouraging and facilitating meaningful community involvement.
The benefits of community involvement are many. In doing service work volunteers:
- Explore social issues
- Work with diverse groups of people
- Connect classroom theory and practical application
- Exercise leadership skills
- Gain work experience
- Share energy and ideas
- Expand capabilities
- Enhance their understanding of the role of citizens
OVO reflects the commitment of the University of St. Thomas to service, to living out the values taught at the University, and to having a meaningful impact on the larger community.
As a founding member of the Texas Campus Compact, UST is committed to service and volunteerism and to the development of civic-minded students who will continue to pursue their lives with a sense of purpose and obligation to their country.
 "I've found that working to give back to the community has been among the most rewarding things I have done during my time at St. Thomas. I have had the chance to work with alumni, faculty, staff and students, both traditional and non-traditional, as well as members of the greater community, and each time I see more and more clearly how, by giving of my time and effort, I can do something to make the world a better place."
Nathan Prihoda,
UST Senior Psychology & Catholic Studies Major
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