Cleaning, gardening, fixing up, or spending time with the elderly won't show up on a law school class syllabus, but those activities are nonetheless an integral part of CUA Law's long tradition of dedication to service.

Community Service Day, held on the final day of Orientation Week for the incoming class on August 16, drew an enthusiastic crowd of new students who dispersed out across northeast Washington, D.C., for a day of volunteerism and fellowship.

The day is intended to emphasize the importance of service and pro bono work that is instilled at CUA Law. Community Service Day also introduces students to their new surrounding community and gives students a chance to get to know each other before classes kick off.

There were opportunities for service at four local sites: St. Anthony Catholic School, Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, all within a short drive of the Columbus School of Law.

Before they boarded busses to their respective sites, students had a chance to hear from Kiva Zytnick, the Pro Bono Coordinator for the Law School. "Thank you for being here and embracing the University's mission of service. After today, as a law student and then as a lawyer, you will have the opportunity and the responsibility to give back in a new way: pro bono," Zytnick said.

For the third year in a row, evening students also had a chance to participate in Community Service Day by sorting school supplies and packing backpacks for local children in need. The school supplies were donated by faculty, staff, and students and will be given to children at the Third Annual Back to School Carnival organized by Veda Rasheed '18.

This year the Back to School Carnival has partnered with the Richard England Boys and Girls Clubhouse #14, and some of the school supplies will be delivered to children who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Rasheed invited incoming students to volunteer at the Carnival that will be held on September 15, 2018. "You have chosen a great law school to attend. Make sure to take advantage of all the different pro bono and service opportunities CUA Law has to offer," Rasheed said.

Rasheed, who was selected as the Mid-Atlantic Law Student of the Year by The National Jurist magazine, said her drive has always come from wanting to help her community and the award affirmed her belief that students can make a difference now. "The award positively affirmed for me the power of now. I didn't have to wait for a degree to make a change," Rasheed said.As in past years, the students were joined by Law School faculty and staff.

To view photos from Community Service Day, visit CUA Law's Facebook page.