Join the University of La Verne in Celebration of Exciting Programming and Events

Please join the University of La Verne as we enter an exciting new chapter under the leadership of President Pardis Mahdavi and share in the spirit of our rich traditions, core values, and purposeful actions in the community. Here are four fun fall activities we have planned that would be of interest to you:

1) 12th Annual First-Year Learning Experience (FLEX) and New Student Community Engagement Day:
Students, faculty, and staff will create food packets for Africa, work in a community garden, gather resources for unhoused individuals, among other volunteer projects, during the University of La Verne’s First-Year Learning Experience (FLEX) and New Student Community Engagement Day. The event will serve as the first college experience for first-year students.
WHERE: University of La Verne, 1950 Third St., La Verne, and various community locations (listed below). Learn more by visiting the link here.
WHEN: Saturday September 9. Welcome event at 8 a.m. outside Johnson Family Plaza, next to the Abraham Campus Center. Volunteers at work sites starting at 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lunch will be held for students at The Sport Dining Hall afterwards from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. where the event will conclude.
WHY: FLEX Day introduces students to the university’s four core values of civic and community engagement; diversity and inclusivity; ethical reasoning, and lifelong learning. It also serves as an introduction to the university’s signature La Verne Experience, which includes “learning communities” – classes that the same groups of students take together in their first year. 
VOLUNTEER LOCATIONS:
- Organizing: African American Museum of Beginnings, 1450 E. Holt Ave., Pomona

• Group 1 – Shepard’s Pantry - 1418 Arrow Hwy, Irwindale, CA 91706
• Group 2 – Rise Against Hunger - 3237 Guasti Road, Suite 300, Ontario, CA 91761
• Group 3 – Huerta del Valle Garden - 831 E Belmont St, Ontario, CA 91761
• Group 4 – Lopez Urban Farm - 1034 W. Mission Blvd.  Pomona, CA 91766
• Group 5 – Pilgrims Place - 625 Mayflower Rd. Claremont, CA 91711
• Group 6 – David & Margaret Youth and Family Services -  1350 3rd St, La Verne, CA 91750

2) Leap Into Action Pledge:
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends of the university, community partners, and more are welcome to join in on a new and exciting opportunity to live into the university’s core value of civic and community engagement. The new Leap Into Action pledge invites all Leopard volunteers, whether local or across the globe, to offer time or in-kind support to causes aligned with themselves and the university’s core values. Register to make a pledge from now through October 12 on this link here to volunteer, mentor, collect donations, or participate in a community service activity. It is a goal to commit 1,891 pledges, which signifies the historical year the University of La Verne became an institution.

3) 19th Presidential Inauguration for President Pardis Mahdavi:
The University of La Verne will welcome Dr. Pardis Mahdavi as the 19th president on Friday, October 13 (reception to follow). With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Mahdavi is a widely published and highly acclaimed author and academic. She most recently served as the provost and executive vice president at the University of Montana. Learn more about President Pardis Mahdavi by visiting the link here.

4) Homecoming and Family Weekend:
The University of La Verne will continue its celebrations during the 2023 Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 14 through 15. This annual tradition is an opportunity to connect our Leopard family to one another through social events, athletic games, and other exciting activities. Learn more about Homecoming and Family Weekend by visiting their website.