KINGSTON, R.I. —October 15, 2009–With spades and enthusiasm, University of Rhode Island freshmen literally established their roots on Saturday, Oct. 10.

More than 250 University community member volunteers, including 175 URI 101 freshmen, planted 5,000 tulips, narcissus, and other spring bulbs around the Quadrangle and other locations. URI Master Gardener volunteers assisted in the planting.

While many volunteers dug and planted, others weeded, raked, mulched, and spruced up the area. It was all part of the first “URI Gives Back Day.”

The planting is made possible through the generous support of Washington Trust. The Bank donated thousands of daffodil bulbs in 1991 to help URI celebrate its Centennial, and then partnered with the University and local communities for several years thereafter with a South County Beautification Program. The daffodils planted over those years still bloom today, making late spring a beautiful time to visit the URI campus and the South County region.

Generous support also came from Robert Weygand, vice president for Administration and Finance, the Feinstein Center for Service Learning and URI Lands and Grounds Department.

As noted, first-year students in URI 101 made up the bulk of the planters The required course, supported by the Feinstein Enriching America Program, introduces all first-year students to the traditions of higher education and academic culture, as well as significant societal and personal issues that influence their college experience. The course provides students with the opportunity to serve the community with their peers and reflect upon that experience.

Through URI 101, 75 classes, composed of more than 1,350 first year students will engage in service during the month of October.

“Social responsibility and community engagement start at home and we hope that URI Gives Back Day will be an annual opportunity for our community to come together and make a beautiful and lasting impact,” said Jayne Richmond, dean of University College.

Pictured above

URI students dig, weed, and rake during URI Gives Back Day on Oct. 10. More than 250 University community volunteers, including 175 URI 101 freshmen, planted 5,000 tulips, narcissus, and other spring bulbs around the Quadrangle and Roosevelt Hall on the Kingston campus. Generous support for the event came from Washington Trust, Robert Weygand, vice president for Administration and Finance, the Feinstein Center for Service Learning and URI Lands and Grounds Department. URI Department of Communications & Marketing photo by Michael Salerno Photography.