Chowan University’s Honor College Student Association (HCSA) Co-Presidents Destiny Vaughan and Rachel Van Buren presented a check for $1,000 during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house of the newly renamed Chowan University Murf’s Food Pantry on January 31. This donation came on behalf of 134 members who worked together to serve the community while raising funds to benefit their peers.   

The funds were a donation from Severn Peanut Company to the HCSA as a result of its members volunteering at one of their events last fall. The members participated in their peanut festival, where they engaged in the activities and worked stands such as popcorn and cotton candy, managed cake judging contests, oversaw certain rides, and much more.

“We typically give back to our local food pantry, and this year we chose the food pantry on campus,” shared Rachel Van Buren, ‘23. “This was a God-given decision and helped provide for the Chowan student’s needs.”

“We feel that after what has happened the past few years with Covid, what is happening in Ukraine and different other circumstances, we want to give back in more ways than ever,” shared Destiny Vaughan, ‘23.  “It is neat to see how serving others can influence them to serve again and continue this pattern, and we hope our donation continues to perpetuate donations like this,” added Rachel Van Buren, ‘23.

The Honors College Student Association has a deep history of giving back to local food banks.  In addition to giving their time of service, they also raise funds by selling ornaments, working the concession stand at football games, and volunteering for the annual university phonathon. 

“Members of the Honors College Student Association are committed to building social responsibility through community service,” shared Dr. Danny Moore, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost who serves as the HCSA Advisor. “Members often comment that they feel like they have more of a purpose when they are doing something to benefit other people’s lives.”

About the Honors College

The Honors College is a curriculum designed for talented and extremely motivated students who want to gain the most from their university experience. Participants are given the opportunity to grow on many levels-academically, culturally, and socially. Honors courses are specially designed to develop students’ writing and discussion skills and their ability to think critically beyond the norm. Honors students will also have the opportunity to attend cultural events, take field trips, and build social responsibility through community service. The college is designed to foster abilities in the student that can be used throughout their academic and professional careers.

Images from the Severn Peanut Company event last fall, where HCSA students volunteered and secured the donation.