Lambda Sigma Creating Smiles

Slippery Rock University, Building F - March 30, 2022, 6 pm

Building F CA, Clarissa Kaz Spahr, paints a mountain-themed Kindness Rock.

Lambda Sigma Honors Society joined Building F residents to complete a Kindness Rocks service project and recruit new members on Wednesday. At the event, members of Lambda Sigma and residents of Building F worked together to paint Kindness rocks that were then spread throughout campus.

The event was held in the Build F Greater Room and was offered as an educational event for residents. At the beginning of the event, Lambda Sigma spoke to the residents about responsible citizenship. In attending the event, students were able to choose a rock, then paint it with a kind or inspiring message, as well as enjoy some snacks provided by Lambda Sigma. Once the rocks had dried, they were spread throughout campus by members of Lambda Sigma and the students who had painted the rocks. Clarissa Kaz Spahr, a resident of Building F who attended the event said, “It is really cool to see art being used more on campus. By using items that you find and walk by every day we're able to share positivity with each other."

This event was held as a service project for the Honors Society to promote kindness on campus. Slippery Rock University’s Alpha Theta chapter of Lambda Sigma Honors Society is for sophomore students who are in the top 35% of their class and have a desire to serve the community. Members of the organizations are also eligible for special scholarships. The organization currently consists of 19 members. The organization has existed at Slippery Rock University since 1974. It’s currently led by President, Loren Shaffer, Secretary, Ashley Wassum, and Treasurer, Sydney Lewis. The organization is advised by Dr. Mark Shotwell, a Biology Department professor.

Lindsey Matthews (left) and Rachel Ferrick (right) prepare to paint their Kindness Rocks.

The organization does a variety of service projects throughout the academic year. This event was the second time they’ve created Kindness Rocks, the first being in October of the 2021 fall semester. These rocks are meant to be seen by students and bring a smile to their faces. Rachel Lucas, a member of Lambda Sigma says; “The event in itself was calming and fun, I'm hopeful that the messages we put on the rocks will inspire someone to carry on the kindness."

This event also served as an outreach opportunity for Lambda Sigma. Their goal was to complete the service project, while also recruiting new members for the organization. In the end, about 15 Kindness Rocks were created. If students see the Kindness Rocks around campus, Lambda Sigma encourages them to take a picture of it and tag the organization on Instagram.

Loren Shaffer, the President of Lambda Sigma at SRU talks about the organization and today's event.

Members of Lambda Sigma and residents of Building F paint Kindness Rocks together.

Photo 1: Salem Murray paints her ombre Kindness Rock.

Photo 2: Salem Murray (left) and Rachel Lucas (right) paint their Kindness Rocks together.