QU Students Visit Hamden Neighborhoods Today

From Quinnipiac University:

Members of the Quinnipiac University Student Government Association will visit various Hamden neighborhoods today as part of its “Good Neighbor Campaign.”

The goal is to build and strengthen the relationship between students and town residents in response to off-campus student parties that have disrupted Hamden neighborhoods in recent weeks.

“We hope to create an open line of communication between students living off campus and Hamden residents,” said Julianna Besharat, the SGA’s vice president for public relations.

SGA students plan to meet in front of Dunkin’ Donuts, 3300 Whitney Ave., at noon today. They will proceed to the Whitney Avenue, Kimberly Avenue and Washington Avenue areas “to promote a healthy environment and facilitate the building of a positive relationship.”

Residents who are not at home at the time of the visits will receive door hangers with information about the campaign as well as The Big Event, which is Quinnipiac’s largest student-run community service project.

The Big Event, which is held in April, is just one activity designed to foster community relations between the University and town. There are many ways Quinnipiac students are making an impact in the community, from volunteering at area homeless shelters and schools to donating food baskets for Thanksgiving.

The effort goes beyond students, too. Others community-based events include the Hamden Senior Holiday Gift Run, organized by Quinnipiac's AM 1220 WQUN to benefit senior citizens, and the Quinnipiac Department of Public Safety’sholiday toy drive for needy Hamden children.

The University and Hamden Police Department recently sent out a joint statement issuing a stern warning to student living off campus, even though the problem houses are not owned by Quinnipiac.

Student Government Association members plan to visit more neighborhoods in the future. Also, the SGA intends to distribute leaflets featuring helpful tips for being a good neighbor to students.

For more information, contact Besharat at (845) 721-2534.