COMMUNITY OUTREACH & SPECIAL EVENTS

Trojans serving their communities

Throughout the year, TROY’s emphasis on leadership extended to the wider community around the University with programs that reach far beyond campus borders. The largest and most visible of these efforts was the Military Appreciation game which featured a matchup between the Trojans and the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. More than 32 buses transported active-duty soldiers from nearby installations to attend the game. The Trojans stunned Army with a 10-9 victory and moved to a sevengame winning streak.

Trojans also supported members of the military off the field during the year. TROY’s Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity chapter raised more than $125,000 to support Bonifay,

Florida-based Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures. The Christian-based mission provides hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities to veterans who have been wounded physically and emotionally in battle. Walk Hard is one of the largest Greek philanthropic efforts in the country and has become a national model for the fraternity. Through the fundraiser, Trojans are leading Greek Life as servant-leaders.

TROY has a national platform for academics that hit home as well. Nearly 30,000 people took advantage of two free online classes over the summer. The courses aimed to build leadership skills for those looking to move their careers forward and taught principles to protect and grow wealth.

Boys State 2022

In local efforts, TROY’s Office of Civil Engagement teamed with the Pike County Boys & Girls Club to plant seeds for a community garden and learn about nutrition in “The Summer Garden Project,” backed by Hunger Free America and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers.

The University also took a step toward developing the future leaders of Alabama by playing host to both Alabama Girls State and Alabama Boys State during the summer. The 80th session of Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, featured addresses from 12-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, herself a former Girls State Lieutenant Governor. Some 350 young women attended.

More than 500 young men, who were rising high school seniors, attended Alabama Boys State. The delegates heard from Col. Mark Valentine, Anthony Daniels, Congressman Jo Bonner, the Rev. Garrett Harper, State Finance Director Bill Pool, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey and Attorney and University Trustee Forrest S. Latta (’80), among others.

Other youth leadership opportunities supported by the University this year included HOBY, the Youth Leadership Forum, the Alabama Lions High School Leadership Forum and many more.

Girls State 2022

Girls State delegates had the opportunity to listen to Gov. Kay Ivey (center), a Girls State alum, speak on citizenship and the lasting impact of the program.