Citizen Katie 2024 unites service and community -

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered to volunteer on six projects serving both campus and local communities.

A group of volunteers for Citizen Katie. One student is in the foreground bent over a table. Two students are in the middleground carrying a box. There are four students in the background.

32 volunteers assembled dressers with Bridging.

A group of different students volunteering for Citizen Katie. All are sitting at tables wearing purple shirts.

18 volunteers assembled menstrual kits for Days for Girls.

President Marcheta P. Evans standing by a student sitting at a sewing machine. There is another student working on a sewing machine in the background.

President Marcheta P. Evans, PhD, speaks with a student sewing for the dialysis sweatshirt project.

A group of Citizen Katie volunteers smiling at the camera while sitting around a square table.

Volunteers created clay bowls for the St. Kate's Empty Bowls Project.

President Marcheta P. Evans in the foreground assembling a dresser. There are more Citizen Katie volunteers working in the background.

President Evans helps assemble a dresser for Bridging.

On September 28, a total of 104 students, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered on campus for Citizen Katie, ��ɫӰ��’s annual tradition that unites the community on and off campus for service projects and reflection.

After a kick-off breakfast in Rauenhorst Ballroom, St. Kate’s community members broke into groups to collaborate both with University programs and local organizations.

One group of 32 volunteers worked with the nonprofit organization , which provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. The group fully assembled 42 of 50 dressers, all of which will be donated to households Bridging serves.

“At Citizen Katie, I love participating with Bridging because I know that it will make an impact in someone’s life,” said student Catalina Ayala ’26. “There will always be a need for things like supplies, clothes, and food, but I think that a lot of people forget just how important it is to have access to good quality furniture. I had a blast today getting to know and working with alumni, students, and everyone at St. Kate’s who helps make this possible!”

Alumna Nancy Didion Busse ’69 agreed, and plans to participate again next year. “I love Bridging,” she said. “It is very fulfilling to know that people are going to get a dresser.”

Another group of volunteers assembled menstrual kits with the Minnesota chapter of , an organization whose mission is to increase access to menstrual care and education around the world. A total of 18 volunteers packed kits, and prepared even more to be finished soon.
21 volunteers created clay bowls as a part of the . The bowls will then be used at the , where guests can donate to take home a bowl. Event profits will support , an organization that provides free nutritious meals to people living with life-threatening and chronic illness, and the St. Kate’s/CSJ Food Access Hub.
10 volunteers also supported the Food Access Hub by tending to the St. Kate’s/CSJ community garden. The group cleaned pots, trays, and equipment in the garden shed and removed sunflower stumps in the front garden. Produce grown in the garden, along with other food donations, is available through the food shelf to anyone in the St. Kate’s community facing food insecurity.
13 volunteers worked with the dialysis sweatshirt project assembling sweatshirts that are comfortable and accessible for people undergoing the dialysis process, which requires access to the upper chest region and both arms.
Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cardondelet, is a home for women from diverse backgrounds who are homeless and without essential resources. 10 volunteers worked on the property gardens and garage area. Though these efforts may seem small, Sarah’s is able to make better use of its space and continue to accommodate women in need.

“I absolutely love all that we are able to do together at Citizen Katie. This year was no exception,” said D’Ann Urbaniak Lesch, assistant vice president for engaged learning and director of the Office of Scholarly Engagement. "What a fabulous opportunity to build connections and strengthen community. I am so thankful for all the students, alumni, faculty and staff who participated, and grateful to our community partners and their amazing work that we got to support."

Citizen Katie is a collaboration between Community Work and Learning, Residence Life, Student Center and Activities, the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice, and Alumni Relations.

Photos by Patrick Clancy.