On February 24, UC Santa Barbara’s Alumni Association wants to unite all Gauchos throughout the United States and the world to participate in a day of giving back to one’s community. As part of this worldwide Day of Service (#GauchosGiveBack), UCSB’s Gevirtz School will sponsor a morning of work at the Harding University Partnership School on Santa Barbara’s westside.
Gevirtz School alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends are invited to join us for a morning of gardening, tree planting, creating buddy benches and designing/creating a mural. Please wear closed toe shoes and casual clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. To participate in this volunteer activity, please email Lilly Garcia: lgarcia@education.ucsb.edu
Volunteers are also invited to register online and tell the Alumni Association what act of service you will participate in on February 24th. If you do so, the Association will send you a Gauchos Give Back t-shirt to wear on the day. Post a picture of yourself wearing your t-shirt on social media using the hashtag #GauchosGiveBack and email your photo to ucsbalum@ia.ucsb.edu including your name and class year. T-shirts available while supplies last.
The tree planting will be led by Gary Janka, Gevirtz School alumnus. Janka completed his Ph.D. in Human & Organizational Behavior in 1997. Currently the head teacher and officiating priest with the Santa Barbara Zen Center, Janka likes to plant and care for trees, primarily in the public domain. He serves as a volunteer forester for the Santa Barbara City Parks Department, and he plants and maintains street trees in the neighborhood around the Los Angeles Zen Center.
In 2010 the historic Harding School formed an unprecedented partnership with UC Santa Barbara, becoming the Harding University Partnership School (HUPS). HUPS is a place of joy, excellence, and international focus. As of fall 2012 the University School has achieved status as an International Baccalaureate Programme, making it the only Santa Barbara elementary school currently using this highly acclaimed approach that emphasizes 21st century skills and international mindedness.