To some, completing 100,000 hours of service might seem like an insurmountable task, but Marywood’s President, Sr. Anne Munley, I.H.M., Ph.D., trusts in her campus community to succeed.

Munley issued this service challenge at Marywood’s 100th Opening Liturgy Service on Sept. 3; it will extend through the end of the centennial celebration in Dec. 2015.

“We’re celebrating the Centennial by reaching out to others,” said Ann O’Brien, assistant director for service learning and community service.

Service, being one of Marywood’s core values, has shaped the university since its founding. O’Brien said that this challenge is a way we have chosen to “amplify and recognize this tradition that we have had for years.”

Additionally, Sr. Kathy Luxner, I.H.M., director of Campus Ministry said, “The service challenge is an expression of the I.H.M charism that is integral to the mission of Marywood.”

The challenge is open to students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and anyone who wants to celebrate with Marywood on this milestone.

O’Brien admits that people often ask her what is meant by “service.” She says that events sponsored by Marywood count as service, from food drives like Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family, to service programs with residence halls or athletics. Additionally, any volunteering through a church, community group, non-profit organization, or just helping a neighbor, “all that we want to know about!” said O’Brien.

Hours of service for the challenge are to be logged through the siteGiveGab.com. There are three steps to completing this: (1) visitGiveGab.com and create a profile, (2) search for Marywood University and “join” the page, (3) log hours.

If you have questions about the service challenge or how to use GiveGab visit www.marywooduniversity.edu/faith-service/ or contact Ann O’Brien at aobrien@maryu.marywood.edu.