ASUP student government to perform semi-annual day of service in honor of Molly Hightower '09
The Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP) student government is hosting its semi-annual service day in honor of Molly Hightower ’09 tonight. Approximately 30 student leaders will serve the homeless in downtown Portland through BridgeTown Inc’s “Night Strike” program.
The students will meet at Liberation Street Church at 7 p.m. and will then gather under the Burnside Bridge (on the west side) by 8 p.m.
BridgeTown Inc’s Night Strike provides an opportunity for members of Portland’s homeless community to hang out, enjoy a hot meal, receive a free hair cut, shave, have their feet washed and have their old shoes/clothes/sleeping bags replaced.
In 2010, the ASUP government passed Resolution 10-01, which instituted a semi-annual service day dedicated to the memory of 2009 alumna Molly Hightower, who died in the earthquake in Haiti while volunteering with special needs orphans. Each semester, student leaders gather to perform service either on campus or in the community.
“We chose to set aside one day each semester to remind ourselves that leadership and service work go hand-in-hand,” said ASUP president Brock Vasconcellos. “We serve in the memory of Molly Hightower, who endured the ultimate sacrifice while aiding others.”
Previous ASUP Service Day events have included neighborhood clean-ups, helping with the Portland Marathon, and assisting with a blood drive.
All students are welcome to join the ASUP Day of Service and should contact Elvia Gaona-Mandujano at gaonaman15@up.edu for details.
