5 UNH Student Orgs That Make a Difference

How can you make a difference in the world as a college student? What student clubs can you join that give back to the campus and community?

We talked to leaders from five different student clubs and organizations at UNH that make our campus, community and world a better place. From building homes for veterans, to bringing together the campus community through delicious food, meet student representatives from five student orgs where you can make friends in college while making a difference. 

UNH Habitat for Humanity Build

1. Building Homes for Veterans

With Habitat for Humanity

UNH's chapter of Habitat for Humanity works towards a world where everyone has a place to live. "We build houses for veterans in the Southeast NH region," Sawyer says.  For Sawyer, being part of the group is an opportunity to "get good life skills" and "learn to give back." Cashman says the "best part is that it's a charitable org. It's great to help out someone in need."

-Sawyer Swenson '26, Human Development and Family Studies & Psychology 

-Cashman Dobbs '25, History 

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity 

UNH Global Medical Brigades Greece 2024 brigade group

2. Bringing Hygienic Supplies to Communities in Need

With UNH Global Medical Brigades

Global Medical Brigades is an international non-profit organization through which students from all around the country volunteer and work with in-country healthcare professionals and workers to establish sustainable communities. The UNH medical chapter has been on two brigades and plans to attend their third this January. Emma says the UNH chapter "collects hygienic supplies to give to the communities in need" and focuses on education and raising awareness. Graham says that "a lot of times we see a lot of pediatric patients, but we make a pretty big impact on multiple generations." "You learn a lot as a pre-health student," Emma says. 

-Emma Ganley '25, Nursing 

-Graham Hemphill '25, Health Science, Pre-Med

Learn more about UNH Global Medical Brigades

Love for Our Elders poster at UDay celebration of student orgs 

3. Making Friends with Older Adults to Help Combat Loneliness

With Love for Our Elders

UNH Love for Our Elders is a chapter of a national organization that works to offer companionship and friendship to older people who may experience loneliness. Brooke says that members of Love for Our Elders at UNH "go to local nursing homes " to "meet with the elders, play games with them and hear their stories." The time spent together is mutually beneficial; as Brooke says, "They give us good advice." "You learn a lot of valuable life lessons from them, and it's such a good learning experience," Madi agrees. "Every other week, we do a card mailing service," Brooke says, where UNH students write cards to the elders. "I really like how it makes a difference," Nicola says, since "some of the elders don't have any family in the area."

-Brooke Nydam '26, Marketing & Management 

-Nicola Borbone '26, Healthcare Management 

-Madi Jelloe '26, Neuroscience & Behavior 

Learn more about Love for our Elders

4. Raising Money to Fight Cancer

With the American Cancer Society

The UNH chapter of the American Cancer Society raises funds for cancer research and treatments, according to Mary Kate. The group's largest fundraising event is Relay for Life in the spring. Why does Mary Kate love being part of the group? "I feel like it's very important," she says. "It gives back to the community in a positive way. It's a great way to meet new people."

-Mary Kate Henry '26, Occupational Therapy 

Learn more about the American Cancer Society 

Food from a Slow Food UNH community dinner at the Waysmeet Center

5. Embracing Connection through Sustainable Food

With Slow Food UNH

Slow Food UNH is focused on bringing together our community through food. The group hosts monthly MUB Markets, bringing local vendors to campus. Zoe says it's "easy to get involved" in the group and rewarding since food is a "common factor in everyone's lives." According to Zoe, the club strives to promote healthy habits and often collaborates with the Organic Garden Club. 

-Zoe Wegrzyn '27, Environmental Engineering 

Learn more about Slow Food UNH

Learn more about getting involved at UNH

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