More than 200 first-year and transfer students at St. Mary's College of Maryland began their college experience by giving back and getting involved in the region through "Hawks in the Community." This signature orientation event connects students with local organizations and businesses while fostering a spirit of service.
Throughout the day, students traveled to a range of community sites, gaining hands-on experience and building connections with people and places in Southern Maryland. At Historic Sotterley, participants harvested nearly 300 pounds of potatoes for the Growing for Good program, which provides fresh produce to area food pantries. Others contributed to community gardens, including the garden at Lexington Manor Passive Park and the College's own Kate Farm, supporting local food security efforts.
Additional service sites included Patuxent Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Lexington Park, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and the St. Mary's River waterfront, where students assisted the St. Mary's River Watershed Association with an oyster project. Some students toured Historic St. Mary's City or Leonardtown while others sampled local eateries, including Blue Wind Gourmet, Bubbles Bzzz and Nena's Oriental Store & Carry-out. Still others shopped at local businesses to stock up on supplies for the semester.
The return of Hawks in the Community marks the reinstatement of a long-standing orientation tradition. The program not only supports local organizations but also introduces our students to the place they will call home for the next several years. It reflects the College's commitment to learning through civic engagement, and the values of service and collaboration that define the St. Mary's experience.
