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An active volunteer in high school, Kristen Balsamo ’05 (Little Ferry, N.J.) found the perfect living environment for her when she joined the Keefe Volunteer Floor in her sophomore year.
“I have lived here for three years now and I have truly enjoyed all of my years here,” says Balsamo, a biology major. “It was definitely a change I needed to make in order to make Lafayette my home away from home.”
Each year, students living on the Volunteer Floor, located in Keefe Hall, dedicate 40 hours in one of the more than 30 programs available through Lafayette’s Landis Community Outreach Center. Additionally, the floor members organize monthly service projects to benefit the Easton community, often working with organizations including the Senior Citizens Center, Third Street Alliance for Women, YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club of Easton.
For the past two years Balsamo has led the living group as president, serving as a liason between the group, the Outreach Center, the Office of Residence Life, and the Easton community.
A pre-established passion for volunteering is evident among other members of the group as well. Angela Boyd ’06 (York, Pa.), a biology major who has lived on the Volunteer Floor for two years, was an avid volunteer long before coming to college.
“I have a goal of volunteering at least 75 hours this semester; I already have over 25,” she says. “As a volunteer coordinator for the Landis Community Outreach Center, I feel I have an important role in this community and want to help students find a program that truly fits them.”
For Rachel Fischer ’07 (Rye Brook, N.Y.), a psychology major, that program is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
“I enjoy walking the dogs and spending time with them — I love animals,” she says.
The overall goal of the members of the Volunteer Floor is not only to work with the community, but also to make use of their short time in the Easton area by helping as many people and creating as many memorable moments as possible.