For many students, college isn’t just about academics and career preparation. It’s also about personal development and finding a sense of purpose. With a mission rooted in service, Merrimack emphasizes community building, reflection and care for those around you. These values are woven into many classes and everyday life on campus. Our service learning opportunities allow you to grow by providing meaningful ways to develop your leadership skills and serve the campus and local communities.
Campus-Wide Service Events
Several times per year, the Merrimack community comes together to serve local organizations in big ways. One of Merrimack’s signature events is Mack Gives Back each November, where students, faculty, alumni and staff come together to package meals for food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the Merrimack Valley. Last year, our community came together to package over 175,000 meals!
Other service events include the Thanksgiving Basket Drive, Holiday Toy Drive, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Sweeps Week, where students can drop off unneeded food, furniture and household items as they move out in the spring.
Mack Gives Back
@merrimackcollege Directly from the hearts of those who make Mack Gives Back Days so extraordinary! 💛 #Merrimack #Warriors #MerrimackCollege #Community ♬ original sound - Merrimack College
MLK Day of Service
@merrimackcollege MLK Jr. Day of Service 💛 Building beds for those in need. #Merrimack #Warriors #MerrimackCollege #CommunityService ♬ original sound - Merrimack College
SEND SERVICE TRIPS
Merrimack offers immersive service trips as part of the SEND Program during the college’s breaks. These trips can be both domestic or international. Some popular offerings have included rebuilding homes in rural West Virginia, assisting with homeless shelters in Los Angeles or volunteering at schools and nonprofits in the Dominican Republic.
Austin Scholars
A close-knit community of over 100 freshmen and more than 300 students, Austin Scholars embodies the tradition of St. Augustine. This program unites students who are passionate about leadership, service and community. Together, they volunteer on campus and in surrounding communities, reflect on their experiences and make a lasting impact. It’s more than a program—it’s a community, a support system and a chance to grow into the kind of leader you want to be.
