Abigail Whittum, of East Providence, Spends Winter Break Volunteering in Trenton, NJ, on an Assumption College SEND Trip

Worcester, MA - During the month-long winter break, Abigail Whittum, of East Providence, participated in a week-long service immersion trip through Assumption College's SEND program. Whittum was a member of the group that traveled to Trenton, NJ, where students participated in a retreat facilitated by the organization FaithJustice. Students served at a social justice education center as well as spent time helping strengthen the local community by volunteering at Carolyn Stokes Preschool, Sprout University, TASK, and Visitation Home.

The College's SEND Service Immersion Program, established in 1986 by the Office of Campus Ministry, provides students the opportunity to serve those in need while growing spiritually and personally. During one of 11 trips offered throughout the year, students-accompanied by faculty, staff or alumni-make a meaningful difference in the communities in which they serve by working and volunteering alongside fellow students.

During winter break, five groups of students volunteered at a number of nonprofits from Baltimore to Tuscaloosa. The students worked with a variety of organizations, including Catholic Charities, FaithJustice, Habitat for Humanity, L'Arche, and Romero Center Ministries in the communities of Baltimore, MD; Camden, NJ; Trenton, NJ; Tuscaloosa, AL; and Washington, D.C. In addition to winter break, students also have the opportunity to participate in week-long SEND trips as part of an alternative spring break in March or during summer break.

The SEND Immersion Program instills in students a desire to use one's gifts and knowledge to impact the community, a cornerstone of the Assumption mission. Learn more about Assumption's robust Campus Ministry program by visiting http://www.assumption.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry.

Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption in Worcester, Mass., Assumption College is a Catholic liberal arts institution that offers undergraduate students 33 majors and 49 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies; as well as master's and continuing education degrees and professional certificate programs-each through an educational experience that is grounded in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition. The curriculum enables students to gain a depth and breadth of knowledge that leads to professional success and personal fulfillment. Students-whether on the Worcester campus or at the College's Rome, Italy, campus-become engaged participants in Assumption's classic liberal arts education, exploring new ideas and making connections across disciplines. To prepare for the workforce, students learn cutting-edge theory and best practices, conduct innovative research, and develop excellent communication and critical-analysis skills. Assumption graduates are also known for their thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service to their community. For more information about Assumption College, please visit www.assumption.edu.