Over the years, through a variety of volunteer educational programs, Quinnipiac and its students have built and maintained a close relationship with Hamden's schools and schoolchildren. These efforts by Quinnipiac's students reflect the highest fulfillment of the University's dedication to service learning.

Student-athletes work closely with Hamden schools and Youth Services by reading to children and donating books and school supplies each year to area elementary schools. Student-athletes gave a new toy and book to each of 38 children in the Hamden Youth Services preschool program this winter.

"Quinnipiac has been doing this for a few years," said Susan Rubino, child care director for Hamden Youth Services. "Our kids are getting to know the student-athletes. The kids get excited. They love the attention."

Quinnipiac's Undergraduate Physician Assistant Club members have regularly read to children at Alice Peck Elementary School. To encourage them to read on their own, University students have given first-, second- and third-graders books and candy canes for the holidays.

"The children enjoy seeing young adults in the classroom interacting," said Hamlet Hernandez, Alice Peck's principal. "There has been a tremendous amount of initiative on Quinnipiac's part to adopt us."

In addition, Quinnipiac helps foster relationships with Hamden's young people through programs like the Big Brothers Big Sisters Campus Kids program, the University's 12 annual Town of Hamden scholarships for seniors and the Physical Therapy Club's Annual Special Athletics Day.