Bee The Difference On Nov. 7

It is a tradition, but most importantly, a calling. Ambrosians willingly step up to serve in their communities, across the world, and in this case, campus neighbors.

On Nov. 7, St. Ambrose students will put their characteristic generosity and goodwill into action during Bee the Difference Day, an annual event organized by the Student Government Association (SGA). From noon until 2 p.m., students will help homeowners prepare for winter by raking and bagging leaves, cleaning gardens, trimming bushes and branches, and more.

"Our goal is to help more campus neighbors this year," said the SGA Bee the Difference Day Director Samantha Sancen. So far, 40 homeowners have accepted the offer and outreach continues. "We are expecting a lot more to sign up by the Oct. 31 deadline," she said.

That goes for student volunteers, too. About 200 have signed up so far, and Sancer is expecting the number to increase as well.

"I love seeing the SAU community getting involved in Bee the Difference Day. We have athletic teams, students clubs, and even university faculty and staff who've volunteered to participate. We are uniting as an SAU community to go out and meet, assist, and thank our campus neighbors, and I am grateful and excited to be a part of that again this year," said Sancen, a second-year student majoring in Political Science and Theology.

An annual fall event since 2006, the event was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. SAU students rallied in the spring and held the event, completing each task fully masked. Masks are not required to be worn outdoors this fall Sancen said. "Hopefully even more students will participate with that COVID restriction lifted while outdoors."

In the case of inclement weather, Bee the Difference Day will be held Nov. 14.

Prayer and Service for the Month of November

President Amy Novak invites all Ambrosians to commit to 30 days of prayer and service – beginning with Giving Tuesday Nov. 30 and leading up to the Feast of Saint Ambrose on Dec. 7.