Serve Like Simmons - Hardin-Simmon’s Mission to Better the Community By: Delani Bauer

On Sept 10, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered for HSU’s semesterly community outreach volunteer day, Serve Like Simmons. This semi-annual event provides participants the opportunity to put their faith into action through humble servitude.

Participants checked into the Johnson Building, room 103, beginning at 1:00 p.m..  A free Chick-fil-A lunch was provided to all participants from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., and the first 75 participants received a free Serve Like Simmons T-shirt.

Participants were divided into small groups and sent out to serve various locations across Abilene. Groups arrived at their designated locations by 2:00 p.m. and concluded their work at 4:00 p.m.. Each year, HSU partners with several non-profit organizations around Abilene to provide opportunities for members of the University community to volunteer.

Serve Like Simmons gives participants an opportunity to take a break from campus life while working alongside individuals they may not regularly interact with.  This provides a means of cultivating Christ-centered relationships and fostering communal relations.

As a faith-driven community, HSU aims to spread its mission beyond the 90-acre campus.  The university's new LiveSent initiative calls the HSU community to live as ambassadors of Christ’s love.  The initiative calls HSU students to humbly serve the Abilene community, share their faith and make a difference.

Serve Like Simmons was established in remembrance of Dr. James B. Simmons, an advocate for Christian Education and mission work.  The event reflects Simmon’s commitment to serving others and supporting a Christ-centered community.

The volunteer day also provides participants with an opportunity to see the effects of community service firsthand and interact with the organizations and individuals they serve.  By working directly with these organizations, students gain important insight into the needs of the Abilene community and the impact their actions can provide.

The next Serve Like Simmons event will take place in the spring of 2027.  All students, staff, facility, alumni and community members are encouraged to participate. Signing up provides a great way to get further involved and serve the community. The event also provides an opportunity for students to earn chapel credits while serving the Abilene.