Stuart and Nancy Rabinowitz Honors College

Service Leader Program

"Without leaders, justice is just a dream"

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Congratulations and welcome to Hofstra University!

We are excited to announce the Rabinowitz Honors College Service Leader Program.

The Rabinowitz Honors College (RHC) at Hofstra University launched its inaugural Service Leader Program in 2024 to connect first-year students with local communities and instill a lasting commitment to service. Incoming freshmen collaborated with nearby nonprofits to address issues like food security, disability advocacy, and neighborhood resource awareness. Under the guidance of RHC staff and current student leaders, each team worked hands-on with organizations, providing research, outreach, and direct service. This unique program gave students the chance to forge meaningful relationships beyond campus, learn from local residents, and actively contribute to the community. By participating, RHC students gain practical experience, build leadership skills, and see firsthand the value of making a positive impact—a transformative start to their Hofstra journey.

Message from the Steering Committee Photos

Fall 2025 Steering Committee

– to be announced soon


Fall 2024 Steering Committee

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Gabriella DeLeon

Gabriella DeLeon | Bio

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Yulia Erdyv

Yulia Erdyv | Bio

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Devin Peters

Devin Peters | Bio

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Evelyn Quail

Evelyn Quail | Bio

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Whitney Goodison

Whitney Goodison | Bio

Fall 2025 Incoming Students

To Be Announced Soon

Fall 2024 Incoming Students

Ava Aube, Civil Engineering
Juliana Blain, Pre - Physician Assistant
Marisa Carney, Pre - Early Childhood & Childhood Education
Genesis Carrillo, Computer Science
Ricky Chen, Pre - Physician Assistant
Alexa Gagnon, Early Childhood & Childhood Education
Aaralyn Gavagna, Writing for the Screen
Nicolette Gaudio, Criminology
Muskaanpreet Kaur, Accounting & Finance
Marina Kundan, Criminology, Public Policy & Public Service
Olivia Morgan, Psychology
Giaben Patel, Biology
Bronwyn Pollock, Drama
Nayab Raja, Economics & Forensic Science
Terisa Schultz, Theater Arts
Sardara Singh, Biology
Melanie Spruill, Pre - Physician Assistant
Andrew Stanciu, Bioengineering
Syona Wadhwa, Supply Chain Management
Josephine Yin, Pre - Physician Assistant

“I had a great time at the Service Leaders Program over the summer. Being able to have the opportunity to help and work with a group like Downstate ADAPT in such a hands-on manner was unlike any of my prior community service experiences. It was gratifying to be able to use my research skills and the university's resources to help provide information to Gina.

All of the student leaders and adults involved were super welcoming to all of us freshmen. This was our first time living on campus and being immersed in the Hofstra community, and every one was amazing at giving us advice as peers and older students who have been in our place, as well as trusted faculty and adults who want to see us succeed. They helped us become closer and comfortable on campus, creating fun activities to do, even though the community service work could sometimes be mentally challenging.”

- Tessie Schultz


“I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the steering committee for this year’s Service Leader Program—getting to work with the next class of Honors College leaders and engage with our shared community was an incredibly enriching experience, and it reinforced for me the importance of constantly seeking out learning opportunities. Being able to get out into the community and do true, hands-on work was invaluable to the entire team, as we were able to see in real time the effects of community service. Together, we worked to engage with the community in order to assess current needs and formulate action plans in response to feedback from local leaders. Through this, we were able to more effectively direct our work to the places and people who needed it most. During this process, I had the privilege of getting to see our future Honors College leaders work together and develop their confidence while in a brand new environment; they demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, creativity, solidarity, and strength as a group as they formed lasting bonds and found their place within the Honors College community, the Hofstra community, and the local community.”

- Devin Peters


"The Service Leader Program has been an invaluable partnership for our organization. The dedication and enthusiasm of the students made a meaningful impact, and their contributions helped us further our mission in the community. We deeply appreciate Hofstra University’s commitment to fostering civic engagement and leadership, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration."

- John J. Byrne Community Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Service Leader Program
  • The Service Leader Program is a 5-day pre-welcome week experience for Rabinowitz Honors College (RHC) students, led by a Steering Committee consisting of current RHC students.
  • Incoming students will be paired with a steering committee member on one of the service projects. The week consists of direct work with non-profit groups and in depth discussion of best practices for undertaking service work.
  • Program members meet non-profit leaders from local communities with the aim of cultivating an understanding of community needs.
We are looking for incoming freshmen who are:
  • Dedicated to volunteering and interested in rising into leadership roles in one of RHC’s and Hofstra’s many community service programs.
  • Incoming RHC students enrolled in fall 2025 and able to live full time in provided housing with their group members from August 23-27, 2025. If you need special accommodations with housing, please let us know.
  • If you are interested in applying, please submit your application at Hofstra.edu/sblcall.
We are looking for steering committee members who are:
  • Student leaders committed to volunteering and capable of sustaining RHC’s and Hofstra’s overall commitment to civic engagement.
  • Current RHC juniors, sophomores, or freshmen, who are available from August 23-27, 2025, and can live in provided housing with their group members.
  • If you are interested in applying, please submit your application at Hofstra.edu/slapp.
What does a typical day in the program look like?
  • Learning Day
    • Meeting with community leaders
    • Readings and discussions
    • Team building activities like rope courses and other fun challenges
    • End of day fun activities
  • Service Day
    • Travel to/from volunteer sites
    • Student-led de-briefing and discussions
    • End of day fun activities.
  • There will also be time for a fun trip into NYC and an end of week celebration!
What is the cost and perks?
  • This program is free of charge for the selected students.
  • Steering committee members will receive a stipend.
  • All meals and transportation during the program are included.
  • All activities and trips will be paid for by RHC.
  • Free on-campus housing is provided.

In this program we aim to put our volunteers’ skills to use supporting the mission of our partnering organizations. If you are interested in applying, click the button below to get started.

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Service opportunities may include things like:

  • Working with grass roots organizations around data collection, organization, and analysis.
  • Clean up work and recreational spaces associated with a non-profit’s direct service programs.
  • Developing communications strategies including endeavors like website design and social media content.