UMSL students, faculty and staff help pick up trash and remove overgrown brush along a street in Kinloch, Missouri. The fall volunteer service event was hosted by Pierre Laclede Honors College. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

Thanks to the generous and giving spirit of members of the University of Missouri–St. Louis community across the world, the university has surpassed the goal it set to complete 60,000 hours of volunteerism and service this academic year as it marked its 60th anniversary.

Anyone with a love for UMSL was encouraged to participate in the initiative by recording the volunteer hours they spent giving their time and talent to support individuals, organizations or causes that needed help over the past year.

“UMSL students, faculty, staff and alumni have always felt a responsibility to serve our community, and we are proud but not surprised that so many people stepped forward to help meet our ambitious goal,” said Chief of Staff Adella Jones, who co-chaired the 60th anniversary planning committee. “But in many cases, the hours that people recorded were things they have been doing anyway, with no fanfare, in their daily lives. We are committed to helping improve the places in which we live, and that will continue in our next 60 years.”

The economic value of the 60,000-plus service hours is more than $2.2 million and counting. University leaders wish to thank all those who have contributed during the celebration of UMSL’s 60th anniversary while making a significant impact in St. Louis and beyond.