Doing Well By Doing Good

Since its inception in 1968, thousands of students have participated in Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD), a student-run community service organization at Holy Cross.

Many Holy Cross students and alumni report back that they highly value their involvement in SPUD, and that it has influenced their future.

Sponsored by the Office of the College Chaplains, SPUD now consists of about 40 different sites including social service agencies, shelters, community centers, and schools in Greater Worcester. More than 800 students — almost a third of the student body — tutor children, feed the hungry, and share skills. Most important, they say, are the relationships built with people they have met.

Several students involved with SPUD share their stories.

GEORGE ANTONIO ’08

Studies: Psychology major with a biological psychology concentration Hometown: Georgetown, Mass. His history with SPUD: “I’ve been involved with SPUD for four years. As a freshman, I began at the PIP Shelter (People in Peril) in downtown Worcester and have remained there since, now as program director for that site, and last year as assistant program director. The PIP Shelter is a wet shelter and soup kitchen, meaning that everyone is entitled to a bed and a meal, regardless of whether they are under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. Over the course of my four years with SPUD and PIP, three groups of about five students travel to the PIP shelter three times a week to serve dinner to its patrons from 5 to 6 p.m. Normally, the meals are served by those in “stabilization” — a program designed to provide residential assistance, and — as the name suggests — stabilization to those working to improve their current economic and residential situation.” How SPUD has changed him: “While my site primarily falls under the ‘social service’ umbrella, PIP and SPUD, in general, have stressed the importance of social justice for all living together in this world. Coming from a Jesuit liberal arts institution and tradition which encourages ‘men and women for others,’ I would offer that instead, we should become ‘men and women with others.’ In an attempt to become men and women with others, our goal might be to meet people ‘where they are,’ and use our liberal arts educations and our love for peace, equality, and undeniable human rights, to assist them in changing or improving their situation — whatever that may be.

“The individuals with whom I have come in contact at the PIP Shelter seem to lack the ability, or have more of a difficulty in ‘being able’ to accomplish things that seem so basic to the overwhelming majority (food, shelter, and a steady job). While it is sometimes helpful, and even necessary, to intervene and provide ‘social services’ for these individuals, I believe the more powerful option lies in assuring social justice. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘power in numbers.’ When we act as men and women with others, we create a unified community of power that is able to act and speak out against the injustices that so many face within this society, and world at large. Social justice for me has become a mission, a way of life, a necessity in a world where injustices exist.” Aspirations: “I hope to work for a year or two in the field of social work or psychological case management. Eventually, I hope to attain my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, attend medical school, or complete a master’s in public health. Undoubtedly, SPUD and PIP have redirected my career path and attention to areas of social justice.” ”

SOPHIA GRAMMENOS ’09

Studies: Economics and Spanish double major Hometown: Gardner, Mass. Her history with SPUD: “Freshman year I volunteered at Plumley Village, tutoring and playing with young children who lived in the housing complex. While I didn’t participate in SPUD as a sophomore, I volunteered at Centro Las Americas in Worcester for a Community-Based Learning project. As a junior, I tutor at Burncoat High School. I’ll be an assistant director for the program next year.” How SPUD has changed her: “SPUD has given me an awareness of poverty not only in Worcester but globally as I have become acquainted with the political, health and monetary issues that prevent certain individuals from prospering. By leaving the comfortable dorms and dining halls of Holy Cross and going into the schools and social service offices of the Worcester community, I have seen and come to better understand poverty and the difficulties of living with a language barrier.

“Worries about school work are trivial in comparison to the difficult circumstances that people suffering in poverty face, and SPUD serves as a wake-up to college students and a way in which to integrate them into the Worcester community. SPUD has shaped the way I view my college education and my role as a human being. I feel that the courses I take give me one way of understanding society, and through SPUD I put my learning into action as I see society and take part in trying to make changes. After my freshman year, it became clear to me that I will always serve my community in some way because serving has become a part of my life.” Aspirations: “SPUD has shaped my view about the future. Through my classes and volunteer activities I believe that I have become a better and more educated person because not only have I studied social issues, but I also immersed myself into the community. SPUD has helped me see the beautiful and important aspects of life, such as loving and reaching out to a neighbor and simply listening to people talk. After Holy Cross, I would like to get involved with law and policy as it relates to the environment, health care, or the juvenile courts. I wish to pursue a career that consists of helping others, working with a group to solve social problems, and making positive changes to improve my community.”

KENNETH WENTHEN ’10

Studies: Biology major with a premedical concentration Hometown: West Hempstead, N.Y. His history with SPUD: “I’ve been involved with SPUD since the beginning of my freshman year. I was a volunteer at Elm Park Community School freshman year, tutoring the students and helping them with their homework. This year, I am the assistant director of the Elm Park Program. Next year, I will be one of the SPUD interns and will be responsible for Elm Park as well as a few other programs.” How SPUD has changed him: “SPUD has made me think about the issue of social justice, and has made me realize that until everyone is given the same opportunity to succeed, you will never know their full potential. You don’t realize how lucky you are to be able to attend an institution like Holy Cross until you see the struggles of people who have been put in difficult life situations, often through no fault of their own. I feel a responsibility to help them in any way I can, because with a little support, they can succeed in ways that they may never have realized.” Aspirations: “After Holy Cross, I want to go to medical school with the hopes of becoming a doctor. Although this is what I have wanted to do for some time now, I am considering putting off medical school for a few years to do Teach For America. I feel it is a way to make a difference in the lives of children in areas where they might not be getting enough personalized attention. If I could be a positive role model for a child who has been surrounded by so much negativity, it could prevent them from falling victim to problems within their community or at their school.”

Related Information:

• Holy Cross Magazine: Four Decades of Service • Chaplains’ Office