Good Men Good Citizens
Good Men and Good Citizens is a student-led organization which encourages and coordinates individual and group involvement in the service of the surrounding community. Under the direction of the Chairman, this organization has several programs which let Hampden-Sydney students, faculty, and staff develop the links among service, good citizenship, and leadership.
GMGC is divided into individual programs, which are led by students with a particular interest or expertise in that area. Each Program Director is responsible for enlisting volunteers, getting them started in the program, and ensuring that the program runs smoothly throughout the year.
Every member of the Hampden-Sydney College community is encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities offered by GMGC. If you are interested in any of our programs, or in developing new projects, contact Andrew Duggan, Chairman of GMGC or any of the Program Directors.
Athletes in Action
Athletes from Hampden-Sydney are recruited to address the younger students of Farmville and the surrounding counties. In one portion of the program, Hampden-Sydney men travel to the schools and work in the physical education classes with students in the elementary and middle school levels. Another component of the program finds the children of the H-S community meeting with H-S men to learn various activities. Our students present themselves as good examples of how diligence and good work can round out a physical life. They also speak on the importance of education, community service, and the abstention from drugs. The program takes up only a few hours a month and all students that are interested in and enjoy athletics are welcome to participate.
Tutorial Program
Area students in the public schools benefit from Hampden-Sydney men who travel to the schools each week and assist students with their homework. Some volunteers are also able to assist teachers within the schools and work with their students.
Habitat for Humanity
Associated with Habitat International, this program focuses efforts toward the construction of homes for the underprivileged. Most work is done in the greater Farmville area, although trips to other parts of the country are often sponsored during fall and spring break.
Senior Citizen
Recognizing what the senior citizens have given to our community and what they still have to offer, men visit the local nursing homes and retirement centers to participate in various activities with the residents. Some students also participate in the "Adopt a Grandparent" program within this program.
Feed the Hungry
Hampden-Sydney men travel each Wednesday to the local food pantry to help stock shelves. This food pantry (FACES) provides food to the needy each Saturday morning when additional volunteers are welcome.
Adult Literacy
Hampden-Sydney students work in Farmville to teach illiterate adults how to read. Each person who participates is trained prior to beginning the program. All faculty and students are welcome to participate.
Special Projects
When help is needed, Hampden-Sydney students will get involved. As special opportunities develop around the area, the Special Projects branch gets involved and assists with needs or problems not addressed by others.
Big Sibling Program
Students volunteer with the local elementary school children after school and on weekends to assist with their homework and to encourage them to be good citizens. In addition, each student spends social time mentoring his young friend. The program operates on a one-to-one basis to provide the best possible personal assistance to the elementary child.
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