MURFREESBORO, NC – While their peers are busy posting selfies and scrolling social media, 79 Chowan University students are dedicated to community service.  The Rotaract club, sponsored by the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, is part of the larger Rotary International civic organization. These students work with various organizations in the surrounding community on projects like campus clean-up for NC Big Sweep, volunteering with the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), helping Murfreesboro Historical Association with events, working with the Elizabeth Sewell Public Library, serving with Habitat for Humanity, and volunteering with the Albemarle Mobile Food Bank. Beginning last year, they started an annual community service fair, inviting local organizations to the University’s campus to connect with service-minded students and help them get involved in the local community.

Rotaract is an organization comprised of young adults ages 18-30 who are dedicated to service. As part of Rotary International, an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, they provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians from virtually every nation plan and carry out a remarkable variety of humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs that touch people’s lives in their local communities and our world community.

“Too many times people won't give back unless it benefits them, but Rotaract gives back because it is the right thing to do,” says Kyle Davison, Chowan University Rotaract Club President. The Durham, NC native adds, “I enjoy helping other people and giving them a reason to smile.”

Rotaract was officially inaugurated during January 1968 under RI President Luther Hodges. On March 13, 1968 the Rotaract Club of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, sponsored by the Rotary Club of North Charlotte, was the first Rotaract Club to receive its official charter. Although this club is recognized as the first Rotaract club, Rotarians have been sponsoring similar organizations for young adults since the early 1920s.

Joining in this truly international phenomenon, the Rotaract Club of Chowan University was originally chartered and led by Dean Clayton Lewis, one of the University’s most faithful supporters, in 1983. After several years of inactivity beginning in the early 2000s, the club was re-chartered on January 31, 2013 with 41 new members. Currently, they are being led by Dr. Corina Wack, Assistant Professor of Biology, who comments, “I am so proud of all they do and am honored to be their faculty advisor.”

By joining Rotaract, students are uniting with 180,000 young people in 165 countries and geographic areas who belong to over 7,800 Rotaract clubs around the world. Along with commitment to community and international service, Rotaractors strive to develop leadership and professional skills that will benefit them throughout their career.

Chowan University is proud to be a part of the Murfreesboro community and encourages more students and community members to join the Murfreesboro Rotary Club as they give back through service.