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Students, alumnae, faculty and staff came together on March 21 for the 18th annual President’s Invitation to Serve, a campus-wide day of service connecting the Mount community with organizations across Los Angeles.

Held during CSJ Week, the tradition reflects the University’s commitment to service, social justice and community engagement, grounded in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph. As the Mount celebrates its 100th anniversary, the day also served as a powerful reflection of a century of preparing students to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact in their communities.

The day began at the Doheny Campus, where volunteers gathered for breakfast and a brief orientation before heading to service sites across the city. By mid-morning, participants were working alongside community partners on projects focused on housing stability, environmental stewardship and support for historically marginalized communities.

Volunteers supported a range of organizations addressing critical needs across Los Angeles. At , participants contributed to a beautification project for a center that serves mothers and children through educational programs and family support services. At , volunteers sorted and priced donated furniture and clothing at the ReStore, helping fund the development of affordable housing. At the , volunteers assembled toiletry kits and snack packs for women experiencing homelessness. Additional service efforts took place at , the , and , extending the day’s impact across a wide network of community partners.

For many students, the experience deepened their commitment to service.

“I have always been able to volunteer, and as a student I wanted to extend my volunteer work at the Mount,” said Layla Padilla, a first-year liberal studies student who participated in a beach cleanup with Heal the Bay.

Alumnae and staff also returned to serve alongside students.

“When I was a student, I didn’t get to participate in a lot of activities, so I wanted to volunteer and give back to the Mount,” said Kereni Martinez ’16, current staff member who volunteered at the Alexandria House walk-a-thon event.

That spirit of lifelong service continues to resonate with alumnae beyond their time at the University.

“I believe my purpose is to serve others, and that sense of purpose has only grown stronger over time,” said Kendra M. Richards ’16, Business Administration. “The Mount instilled that value in me, and coming back this year reminded me why it is so special. I am grateful to reconnect with a community that shares the same passion for making a real difference.”

The event was organized by the President’s Office in collaboration with the Women’s Leadership and Community Engagement Office.

“The selection of service sites for Invitation to Serve is always intentional,” said Karla Guzman, associate director of Women’s Leadership and Community Engagement. “As the event takes place during CSJ Week, it is especially important that our efforts align with the mission and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph.”

By the end of the morning, volunteers had contributed hours of service across Los Angeles while building meaningful connections with community partners and one another.

More than a single day of volunteering, the President’s Invitation to Serve reflects the Mount’s mission in action and encourages students and alumnae to lead with purpose and engage with their communities.