Package 1,000 meals. Sound the gong.

That was the system during Miami University’s Rise Against Hunger event Aug. 24 as part of this year’s Welcome Weekend. With 35,000 meals packaged to be sent worldwide, there was ample opportunity to hear the gong ring throughout Armstrong Student Center to commemorate every 1,000th meal.

“We had really good energy,” said Liz Walsh-Treviño, Miami’s director of orientation and transition programs. “The atmosphere is a really positive one and makes those who attend excited to do service and be part of the community.”

An estimated 175 students and Student Life staff helped package meals of vitamins, soy, dried vegetables, and rice. Some assembled the packages, while others weighed or sealed bags as volunteers went station to station, working in shifts during the event’s nearly five-hour window.

Rise Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization that is part of the global movement to end hunger. The group currently serves 38 countries, and a representative from Rise Against Hunger was in Oxford as Miamians unloaded materials, packaged meals, and then reloaded the assembled meals ready to be sent out worldwide.

Prior to the event, Miami set an objective of 35,000 meals for this year.

“We’re thrilled we reached our goal,” Walsh-Treviño said. “Our new students and campus community really came through.

“It’s a great way to engage our students who are here on campus for their first weekend. They are making a great impact by packing meals, and they are meeting people along the way.”

Miami has partnered with Rise Against Hunger since 2017. Jayne Brownell, senior vice president for Student Life, was part of this year’s event, as well as each of the prior events.

During Monday’s first day of classes for the 2024-2025 semester, Brownell noticed a Facebook memory from 2017 highlighting that first edition when students packaged 12,000 meals. Brownell recalled how impressed she was with the participation and output, never imagining how much the event would grow.

“This is a generation of students who really do believe in giving back and the importance of service,” Brownell said. “Welcome Weekend is the perfect time for this event. There is a sense of purpose that students connect to. It’s pretty special.”

Miami students will have more service opportunities throughout the year. Walsh-Treviño noted students can connect with the Center for Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (C-SEAL), as well as the Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service.

On Saturday, Miamians will also participate in the second RedHawk Day of Service. The initiative was started last year by then-student body president Nyah Smith and vice president Jules Jefferson. It is continued this year by Associated Student Government representatives Will Brinley and Babs Dwyer.

“Students are making connections in a positive way as part of the community,” Brownell said. “This program is something that can grow into a full community-wide effort over time.”