Kalika Valentine-Erikson/Winonan

Last fall, Kendra Weber was hired as director of student and community engagement, following Vicki Englich’s retirement. Weber said she was under the impression the intent for University Improvement Day was for staff and faculty development.

“I heard more about it from the professional development side of things,” she said.

Because of the confusion about the intent of University Improvement Day and the Oct. 21 Winonan story about the day’s lacking participation, Weber emphasized student volunteering that occurs on campus.

Weber implemented a program called “Good Neighbors,” where students go out on the weekend and clean up specified areas around campus.

Another program Weber implemented is called “Clean Sweep,” which is a huge group clean up that takes place after homecoming. Students pick up garbage on campus, work their way downtown and stop at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post.

Last year, about 30 students showed up, but this year over 100 students participated in the event.

“They picked up probably 75 bags of garbage that day,” Weber said.

In addition, Weber reinstated Winona State University’s involvement with “Spruce up Winona,” in conjunction with St. Mary’s University. This event happens on a single Saturday in April, usually on Earth Day or near the actual day.

This year, 130 students went to about 72 locations and volunteered.

Weber said she is open to planning activities for students to participate in for University Improvement Day.

“If there was interest in doing another sort of clean up event on University Improvement Day maybe focusing on parks I would love to help,” she said.

Weber urges students who want to volunteer to come to her office.

“I want to be a resource to people,” Weber said.