Green coordinates community service for athletics
By Emily Schmidt
University Communications Student Assistant
studentpio@minotstateu.edu
MINOT, N.D. – Getting involved in the city of Minot community creates a well-rounded college education, but it can be challenging when schedules are already packed.
At the end of last semester, Minot State athletics created an official student position to bring community service opportunities to the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). Philip Green, a junior broadcasting and professional communications major and member of the football team, saw it as an opportunity to take advantage of the connections he already had.
“Several people applied, and we all gave speeches about why we would be good for the position. Jordan (Jordan Sanford, senior physical education major), my partner who is also on the football team, we were chosen as the ones to do it,” Green said. “We thought we would be good for the position because we had several connections for service opportunities. One of our offensive coaches, he's really good in connecting with the community throughout the year, and Jordan is actually related to one of the teachers at one of the elementary schools.”
The athletes have participated in a variety of service projects since Green has been at Minot State, including reading to elementary students and working with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the “It’s a Slam Dunk – Don’t Drive Drunk” campaign, and the Green Bandana Project for mental health awareness.
Getting involved in these events not only benefits the community, but it also provides a network of support for the athletes as well.
“As athletes, we want to have a good bond with our community, whether it's promoting ourselves to the boosters or just getting people to come watch us play and support us at games,” he said. “It's important to feel the love from outside of just the team. A lot of those boosters are helping pay for our scholarships, so we want to make sure we give back to those out there in our community who are helping us live out our dream of playing college athletics.”
Now that Green has the official position, he has seen a different side of the service he and the other athletes do.
“Ever since I was added to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, it's been really cool to see all the impact that student athletes have on campus outside of just being here to play our sports and get an education.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 11/10/20
