CCO Campus Ministry

Randon Willard spurs students toward service at RMU

Spring break in most college students’ minds suggests nothing short of lounging around in 75-degree weather scorning any thoughts of school work. Some students spend time away consuming alcohol like they would water, while others simply tarry at home with a good book and family. Randon Willard’s plans deviate from the norm.

Randon works as a CCO staff worker in the office of Student Civic Engagement as the Community & Volunteer Services Coordinator at Robert Morris University. The life and breath of his work is focused on getting students involved and engaged in surrounding communities.

Randon calls students to action. This spring break, he is overseeing two service trips as part of RMU’s Alternative Spring Break program. While many students soak up the sun on a beach, these students will be laboring to build houses with Habitat for Humanity in Concord, North Carolina.

Another group is venturing to Washington, DC to become educated about the hunger and homelessness endemic in the United States and around the world. This is only a facet of what Randon is involved in on RMU’s campus.

“I am in charge of all of the community service that happens at the university. I plan service opportunities for students at places like Habitat for Humanity, The Bradley Center and Coraopolis Community Development Foundation,” explains Randon. “I also work with clubs and organizations to connect them to service opportunities in our community.”

In addition to his formal commitments, Randon runs a weekly Bible study for students to explore various topics that allow them to see how they fit into the bigger story of God’s redemption and what that looks like at RMU. He also meets with students one-on-one to train them how to do ministry on a secular campus.

Students respond positively to Randon because he doesn’t preach to them; he listens to them and walks out his faith with them. He doesn’t only tell them about the love of Christ, he shows it to them. Then he teaches students how to show Christ’s love to others.
“These students see my office as a place of refuge where they can be themselves and talk about life,” says Randon. “I try to love [students] in a tangible way by eating with them, listening to them and being a part of their lives.”

Randon is setting a precedent at Robert Morris University. Through his encouragement and patience, he’s showing students how they can use their education to improve people’s lives. For some of the students, it’s the best “class” they’ve ever taken.

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