Aug 26, 2016 By For The Greene County Messenger 2 min read

Waynesburg University’s incoming freshman class participated in several service projects in Greene County Saturday, Aug. 20. Noble Energy sponsored the event.

Service projects included the development of a five-mile trail at the Greene County Airport; the restoration of a five-mile nature trail that loops through the woods behind the Greene County Historical Society; the cleaning and reorganizing of the Historical Society’s Collick Schoolhouse; and the relocating of artifacts into the Civil War Cabin.

The approximately 500 volunteers also assisted the Corner Cupboard Food Bank with preparing boxes for pantry distribution and helped build a community garden consisting of five raised beds which will provide fresh produce to individuals in need.

State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, addressed the volunteers following the service projects.

“I look at you, and you are the future,” she said, according to information provided by the university. “We need leaders like you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you did for Greene County today. God bless you.”

This service initiative, during which the freshman class served alongside faculty, staff, Bonner scholars and upperclassmen, was a part of New Student Orientation Weekend.

“I love that Waynesburg does a lot of service because I love to volunteer; I really enjoy making someone’s day and helping others,” said Jenna Bartley, a freshman computer science major from Irwin. “We are so blessed to be able to make a difference in this community and meet a lot of great people while doing it.”

Noble Energy, Inc. is a global independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. For more information, visit www.nobleenergyinc.com.

“Noble Energy’s purpose is ‘Energizing the World, Bettering People’s Lives,’ and we take that very seriously,” said Stacey Brodak, senior advisor government, community and media relations. “We strive to find projects and partnerships that provide long-term sustainable benefits for the areas where we operate. All of the projects involved in this partnership with Waynesburg University were impactful, and the community garden, pumpkin patch and orchard project are outstanding models for all communities.

“Waynesburg University and each of the agencies we worked with were very appreciative and most gracious,” she continued. “It personally made me very proud to give back to my home county.”