SWAU Volunteers Impact Johnson and Tarrant Counties

KEENE, TEX. – Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement and spiritual growth on Oct. 1, 2025, through its annual Ignite Service Day. More than 335 students, faculty and staff united to assist with 35 community projects across Johnson and Tarrant counties, supporting local nonprofit organizations and offering students meaningful ways to live out their faith and values.

In Keene, 100 participants worked on a variety of local projects. Volunteers sorted donations at Adventist Community Services; deep-cleaned the Keene Fire Department; landscaped and repainted the “Welcome to Keene” sign at the corner of College Avenue and U.S. 67; painted fire hydrants, park swing sets and bathroom facilities; and cleared the walking trail below the dam at the duck pond. Others engaged with clients at Community Living Concepts, visited residents at Town Hall Estates and assisted the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church by updating spaces and joining its visitation team on home visits. Beyond Keene, SWAU groups served at organizations such as Bread Connection, Children’s Advocacy Center, Christmas in Action, Feed My People, Fort Worth Nature Center, JN Long Cultural Arts Center, Joshua Animal Shelter, Meals on Wheels, Operation Blessing, Texas Children’s Museum and Wings of Hope Equitherapy.

Several campus groups served together. The Southwestern University Singers performed at Ridglea Senior Living and Elk Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care and also volunteered at the Tarrant County Food Bank. Sports teams conducted clinics at a Dallas school and computer science students provided technical support at two area schools. Nursing students volunteered at Mercy Clinic and assisted with an employee flu clinic at Cook Children’s Hospital. And the university orchestra performed concerts for residents at Town Hall Estates and Pegasus Landing of Chisholm Trail.

Launched by students in 2018, Ignite Service Day began as a half-day pause from classes for students to serve others and has since grown into a full-day movement that engages hundreds of participants each year. Now a cornerstone of SWAU’s mission to live out Christ’s calling through knowledge, faith and service, Ignite continues throughout the year with more than 10 ongoing community projects. 

Through these initiatives, students are empowered to reflect Christ’s character through kindness, compassion and understanding—making service a visible expression of SWAU’s commitment to both community and Christ.