Macalester-Groveland Seniors has been affiliated with the Community Service Office at Macalester College for the past eighteen years. Through this partnership we connect the resources of the college with community needs and strengths in order to strengthen the capacity of the Macalester-Groveland community.

Service is an integral part of learning and life. The program provides students and staff opportunities for involvement in the Macalester-Groveland community and involvement in service. Over the years many students involved in MACTION have been involved in one-time service projects for the program, and our Program has been asked to serve as a site for staff and faculty service projects during “Staff Week”.

Engagement with senior citizens offers an aspect of diversity not commonly found on college campuses. Through involvement with our program students get first-hand experience with people whose life experiences differ dramatically from their own. Additionally, students learn about some of the problems facing the larger community and take action to transform it.

There’s a 92-year-old gentleman who lives alone,
seven blocks from me,
and he’s my friend.
Surprisingly enough,
someone other than a student has been my
most enduring friend in college.....
My own friendship with Al
has tremendous meaning
for both of us.
Not only does he
benefit
from my visits, but I too am
healthier
because of them.
For me, it’s an opportunity to
make an impact
on my world.....
Our experience is not mine or Al’s. It is both of ours,
and
ultimately extends to
the entire community.
-Macalester Alumni