2014 Key Chapter Winner Highlight: University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez

We would like to highlight the University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez chapter for being named a 2013-2014 Key Chapter.
Throughout the 2013-2014 academic year, the University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez chapter participated in more than 40 chapter events! One of the chapter’s most successful events was their 1^st Internship & Graduate School Expo. This inaugural event provided members with a variety of information regarding internships, research experience for undergraduates, building résumés/CV and tips to successfully interview for a job. Members also learned how to use diverse web apps for professional development and the importance of using social networks wisely. Another popular topic of discussion was the importance of pursuing graduate studies and how it enhances career opportunities. The event not only gave chapter members the opportunity to enhance their professional skills and knowledge, but it also provided community members (professors, instructors, professionals, etc.) the opportunity to demonstrate their work and expertise.
The chapter also collaborated with several other student organizations on the University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez campus to host the International Coastal Cleanup event. The purpose of this event was to create awareness about beach pollution and how the efforts of a few can make a huge impact. Alongside the other student organizations, the chapter was able to collect more than 50 pounds of trash from the Boquerón Beach at Cabo Rojo!
One of the University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez’s larger events during the 2013-2014 academic year was their Make A Difference Day Event– The ProjecThon. There are a significant amount of social issues that are currently happening at Mayaguez, so the chapter wanted to create a more utilitarian service project that would give members options as to what they could stand behind and support. To make this possible, the chapter organized four community service projects to take place at the same time. One such event focused on helping the local animal shelter, Villa Michelle at Mayaguez.  Throughout the day, volunteers cleaned and fed the animals, as well as helped the personnel in their daily duties. The chapter also held an environmental service project at a community garden in an area called “El Mani”. Here members cleaned and watered the area where plants were, gathered compost and transferred it to planting areas. To benefit the elderly, the chapter worked with the “Brisas de Amor” home where they participated in stimulating activities with the residents. The final service event was “Care for the Homeless”, which focused on the aid and rehabilitation of homeless people in the area. The chapter delivered meals and first aid products, and they had one the university professors give a motivational speech to the group.
Congratulations again to the University of Puerto Rico- Mayaguez Golden Key chapter for being named a Key Chapter!