Volunteer Week

Overview & Mission

Excelsior University’s community engagement program, Excelsior Cares, was established in January 2016 with the aim of extending the institution’s commitment to service beyond the virtual classroom. Named the Community Engagement Group, this initiative seeks to address critical community needs through volunteerism, skills sharing, and financial contributions. Focused on promoting a robust social fabric, Excelsior Cares concentrates its efforts on five key areas: health and wellness, lifelong education, diversity and inclusion, veterans/military support, and social and economic justice, both locally in New York’s Capital Region and globally.

The Community Engagement Group serves as the central hub for planning and executing various community-focused activities, including volunteerism, fundraising and charity events, while ensuring fairness and consistency across the institution. Co-chaired by dedicated members, the group facilitates monthly meetings, approves endorsed community initiatives, and collaborates with Human Resources to align community engagement efforts with the university’s strategic objectives. Through annual events like Volunteer Week and the Gift Basket Drive, as well as ongoing volunteer time off initiatives, Excelsior University fosters a culture of giving back to the community, providing employees with opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact on causes they are passionate about.