Green and Gold Give Back is more than a day of volunteer service for the students of Arkansas Tech University. It’s a day when connections are made with the Russellville community.
“We have a couple that goes for Thanksgiving and Christmas and gives cookies out because of (Green and Gold Give Back),” said Carson Smith of Russellville, president of ATU Student Government Association. “There are other connections here and there…internships and jobs, connections like that…so it is really beneficial. I think it’s a testament to the deep ties with the community that our students have. Our students want to give back to the community that has given so much to them. To take time out of their busy schedules with tests coming around…it’s just another example of how great our students are and how active and philanthropic they are.”
Smith was among approximately 375 Arkansas Tech students who gathered on campus shortly after sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 8, to begin the 2025 edition of Green and Gold Give Back. From there, they fanned out to 38 locations in the surrounding community to perform tasks such as raking leaves and other small-scale projects.
“It makes sure you are a well-rounded individual who knows how to interact with others,” said Smith when asked about the value of community service for ATU students. “In your career, you are going to need to do things outside of the workplace and give back to your community.”
Green and Gold Give Back was established in 2013. It is overseen by the ATU Department of Campus Life.
