New Community Service Requirement for Viking Athletes Promises to Better Local Community, Student-Athletes

In a bold move to foster holistic development among student-athletes, Portland State University (PSU) has mandated participation in community service across all athletic programs.

Under the leadership of Athletic Director Matt Billings, the initiative aims not only to enhance athletic skills but also to cultivate empathy and encourage students to contribute positively to society.  Billings, who drew inspiration from his own experiences as a young athlete, believes that giving back to the community can profoundly impact personal growth.

“I want our athletes to think about how to make the world a better place and be engaged and proactive,” he said.

His dedication to this cause stems from a pivotal moment in his childhood when he interacted with Case deBruijn, a standout kicker at Idaho State University. “That encounter energized me and assured me that I could achieve anything,” he recalled.

Libby Bissen, Director of Academic Services for PSU Athletics, echoed Billings' sentiments, emphasizing the importance of developing student-athletes holistically.

“Community outreach is a large part of personal development and opens doors for individuals professionally,” she explained.

Bissen noted that PSU has been involved in community service for quite some time, with an increasing focus over the past six years.

Adding to the dialogue, Ashley Peterson, a sprinter and hurdler in women’s track, shared her perspective on the impact of community service.

“Last December, some teammates and I partnered with the Meals from the Heart Program to cook a meal at the Ronald McDonald South Waterfront House for families staying in the house near OHSU. My role was coordinating and planning the event, coming up with everything we needed like supplies, transportation for my teammates to the event, getting our athletic media team involved and working with sponsors who helped make the event possible,” she said.

The activity benefitted the families staying at the Ronald McDonald house in a very impactful and positive way…“interacting with the amazing staff who made the process so easy, talking with families staying there and enjoying our time together doing something bigger than ourselves.

“Participating in these projects has opened my eyes to the needs of our community. It’s not just about playing the game but also about making a difference in people’s lives,” Peterson said.

It benefitted her personally, she said, because it was “an opportunity to be a part of something so special especially during the holiday season as a way for me to give back to a community that I was very familiar with throughout my childhood. 

“One of the mothers who had been a college athlete and was staying in the house came up to me personally and expressed how grateful she was to see college athletes taking time out of our busy schedules to do something good for the community.”

Peterson said the woman’s comments about them being role models for the kids and their siblings and spreading positivity and smiles all around “moved me to tears knowing what I was doing was bigger than myself and making an impact on their community”

For her work, she was nominated for the inaugural Allstate NACDA Good Works (Winter) team, a national award.

Jazlyn Moulton, director of marketing and fan engagement, pointed to a multi-sport involvement at Whitford Middle School in January.

“We had the opportunity to bring 15 football, soccer, volleyball and track athletes to the school. While the students were enjoying lunch and recess, our athletes got to interact with them, play with them and engage in some great conversations. It was a fun and meaningful experience for everyone,” Moulton said.

In addition, Whitford held a school-wide competition to determine which students would win 50 tickets to a men’s basketball game, which also helped foster another of Billings’ goals for the program.

“I want us to bring young students to campus as often as possible to continue developing this feeling of relationship to our athletes,” Billings said.

This initiative aligns with a nationwide trend, as many athletic departments across the country recognize the value of community service. The NCAA has made strides to support these efforts through partnerships with organizations like Helper Helper, which tracks volunteer hours and facilitates service opportunities.

This year marks the first time all teams at PSU are required to engage in community service, with previous participants including soccer, softball, and women’s basketball, known for their strong commitment to social responsibility.

The football team has also stepped up, recently hosting a Get In The Game event in partnership with the National Marrow Donor Program. Other upcoming service projects include campus clean-up efforts and “Serve Your City” events aimed at enhancing community welfare.

As PSU continues to promote community involvement, both student-athletes and the larger campus community are encouraged to embrace these opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact, said Bissen.

These initiatives exemplify not only the commitment of PSU's athletics to uplift the local community but also to expand the horizons of student-athletes as individuals. As PSU continues to explore creative avenues for community involvement, athletes are being encouraged not just to participate but to lead initiatives that resonate with their values, said Billings.

“In a time when empathy and active engagement are paramount, PSU’s steadfast dedication to community service sends a powerful message: the true essence of being an athlete goes far beyond competition, encompassing a profound commitment to fostering a better society.”