EngAGE is a community advocacy team part of Colgate University’s Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE). Volunteers connect with senior citizens in Madison County, traversing generational gaps. Through their biweekly meetings at the Madison Lane Apartments, a local retirement community, EngAGE aims to combat loneliness in the older population, while serving others and engaging with members of the community outside of Colgate.
Sophomore Cate Abate, a co-president of EngAGE, explained her goals as a club leader.
“As it’s known, a major threat to the older population is loneliness,” Abate said. “Our club works to provide meaningful connections for both students and residents, providing community for all. Our focus is to spread joy, positivity and foster a sense of community between the students and residents.”
Additionally, sophomore Jenna Goodridge, a co-president of EngAGE, emphasized the importance of service within the senior community, especially near Colgate.
“There are lots of clubs on campus that interact with the younger members of the Hamilton community, but there’s a real lack of service within the elderly population,” Goodridge stated. “Our club aims to fill that gap and bring joy to the people who have contributed the most to the local community.”
EngAGE prepares a variety of activities to do between the students and seniors. These include bingo, trivia, arts and crafts as well as simple things like shared dinners. These activities are fun for both parties, but they also foster an important and fulfilling connection and relationship.
“We enjoy bringing food to the residents. Last semester we brought Ray’s BBQ and just chatted and it was really fulfilling,” Goodridge said. “No matter how stressed I may be, it’s nice to relax on Friday afternoons and hang out with people that have become like grandparents to me.”
Both Goodridge and Abate have come to regard the retired community as a profound part of their lives.
“Getting a hug at the end of service feels like I’ve made a real impact on these people and is an incredible feeling,” Goodridge said.
“[EngAGE] has changed my college experience,” Abate stated. “It has given me a sense of community within Hamilton and allowed me to form close relationships with local residents. Having the opportunity to speak to the residents is so special, as they provide advice and see college life with a different perspective.”
Similarly, sophomore Josephine Jenne, an active member of the club, shared her favorite experiences of being in the club.
“One of my favorite memories is when we made paper wreaths in the fall,” Jenne said. “One of the residents and I worked on one together and she decided to let me keep it, and it’s still hanging up in my dorm.”
Clearly, EngAGE has made a lasting impact not only on the senior community but also on Colgate students themselves. It is easy to find value and honor in giving back to a community that has already done its part to contribute to society. Forming relationships and connections is an integral part of the human experience, no matter what age.
