Nathan Overlock of Hope, ME, Serves with 4 Paws for Ability

2018 Jan 11

Most college courses include notes, papers, and exams, but for Nathan Overlock it involves another unique requirement: community service. As a senior professional writer and information design major from Hope, ME, Overlock began Cedarville's Advocacy Communication class in the fall of 2017, anticipating volunteer requirements. The class required Overlock to complete 30 hours of service during the semester with a nonprofit organization of his choice.

While the class required 30 hours of service, Overlock and his 11 classmates went above and beyond. In totality, the students have completed more than 1,000 service hours since August.

Overlock worked with 4 Paws for Ability through a student service organization on campus called K9s at the Ville. Overlock began working with 4Paws his freshman year, socializing service dogs in training and helping with fundraising and awareness.

"Working with 4 Paws has been the most fulfilling part of my time at Cedarville. Though socializing a future service dog takes a lot of dedication and extra attention, I've been able to incorporate it into my class and work schedule and everything else I'm involved in on campus," said Overlock "This constantly reminds me of the profound impact that we're able to have on others even as we go through daily life."

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.