The Service Plunge provides a select group of first-year students with the opportunity to create lasting bonds throughout their college career by participating in service projects, team-building experiences and leadership development activities.
A yearlong commitment, the Service Plunge begins with a month-long "Get to Know Newport" experience, which includes one service or social activity each week. During Columbus Day weekend, students will retreat to a local campground, where activities could include a ropes course, forestry cleanup and serving dinner at a local shelter.
Applications for the Service Plunge are now available. This year's retreat will be held Friday, Oct. 11 through Monday, Oct. 14 and will provide participants with the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills and the chance to connect with fellow students interested in making a difference both on campus and off.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 12. For more information, contact Natalie Grosso or Christine Ortiz.
Service Plunge Facilitators
Anamaria Arteaga '16
Major: Psychology and religious and theological studies
Arteaga is a work-study student in the McKillop Library and an AmeriCorps Scholarships for Service volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, where she runs the Mission Possible teen mentoring program and the L.E.A.D. club. She is also involved with the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life's Mercy in Motion program. Arteaga lives by the quote "If you are not making someone else's life better, then you are wasting your time."
Natalie Grosso '15
Major: Accounting
Grosso is a work-study student in the Office of Community Service and an active member of the Multicultural Student Organization. She spoke on the topic of socioeconomic and financial status during Salve Regina's Hour to Empower event. Some of Grosso's favorite community partners are Rebuilding Together and the Village House nursing and rehabilitation center. She participated in the Service Plunge 2.0 during the spring 2013 semester.
Brandon Harrington '16
Major: English literature and philosophy
Harrington is a work-study student in the Miley cafeteria and serves as president of the Philosophy Club and treasurer of the Film Club. He is involved in several projects aimed at building opportunities for student artists on campus. Harrington's favorite volunteer sites include environmental cleanups and Ballard Park. He participated in the 2012 Service Plunge and was a junior facilitator for the Service Plunge 2.0 during the spring 2013 semester.
Sarah Lavallee '16
Major: Elementary and special education
Lavallee is a Resident Advisor and an AmeriCorps Scholarships for Service volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, where she runs the Mission Possible teen mentoring program and the L.E.A.D. club. She is actively involved with SRU Dance. She participated in the 2012 Service Plunge and was a junior facilitator for the Service Plunge 2.0 during the spring 2013 semester.
Christine Ortiz '15
Major: Biology, minor in chemistry
Ortiz currently works in a research lab for the Department of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. She is actively involved with the Pre-Med Club, Salve Super Fans and the Multicultural Student Organization. One of Ortiz's favorite volunteer sites is the Newport Hospital emergency department. She was a junior facilitator for the Service Plunge 2.0 during the spring 2013 semester.
Joseph Santa Maria '16
Major: Nursing
A member of the Alliance, Santa Maria volunteers at Child & Family and with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County's Mission Possible program. He participated in the 2012 Service Plunge and the Service Plunge 2.0 during the spring 2013 semester.