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EUGENE, Ore.  – On Tuesday, September 20, on of Bushnell University's most important annual community service traditions returned with the 2022 Embrace The Community Day. 

On this particular day, all Bushnell classes are canceled in the afternoon, giving every student, faculty, and staff member the opportunity to participate. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff participated and over 25 different organizations were served. Every Beacon athletic team participated in the event at one of the various non-profit organizations, putting in a total of over 500 hours of community service. 
 
ETC Day provides a signature moment for Bushnell Athletes live out the mission of being holistic student-athletes who strive to be more than just athletes. Associate Athletic Director Sarah Freeman said, "Our athletic department holds high regard for our 'Tri-Athlete Model' which reflects our mission to develop the whole student-athlete during their time at Bushnell, equally focusing on athletics, academics and character, all in a Christ-centered manner. ETC Day is one opportunity for us to connect with and bless those who are continuously blessing the community and grow in service as champions of character."

The variety of opportunities is one of the things that make Bushnell's Embrace The City program so meaningful.

"Through the lens of wisdom, faith, and service, our goal is to connect our students with service opportunities and organizations that can turn into long standing relationships," said Freeman. "While ETC day is just one day we hope it inspires a spirit of service and community engagement that will be deeply rooted in our student-athletes and how we as Beacons live our lives."
 
This year's slate of team projects and community partnerships included: 
 
Men's Soccer – Red Cross
 
Women's Soccer – FOOD For Lane County's Springfield Youth Farm
 
Volleyball – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
 
Men's and Women's Golf – Native Plant Nursery at Alton Baker Park
 
Men's and Women's Cross Country – Atkinson Food Room
 
Esports – Skinner City Community Garden
 
Men's Basketball – Luper Pioneer Cemetary
 
Women's Basketball – Love For Lane County (Formerly Love Inc.) and Greenhill Humane Society
 
Baseball – FOOD For Lane County's Grassroots Garden
 
Softball - Catholic Community Services in Springfield and Youth for Christ in Eugene
 
Beach Volleyball – Youth for Christ in Springfield
 
Men's Track & Field – Hendricks Park
 
Women's Track & Field – Sladden Park