Service Through Art: TCU Students Make Long-Term Community Impact

What started as a TCU Day of Service project became an ongoing collaboration between leadership students and a Fort Worth elementary school, making an impact on all who were involved. Instead of completing just a day’s worth of beautification, the team completed almost 20 murals over a year’s time. 

“As someone studying higher education leadership, I think a lot about how to make service-learning meaningful and reciprocal,” said Jacob Vanderford, a first-year graduate student. “This project was such a clear example of that. It wasn’t just about volunteering. It was about co-creating something beautiful and lasting for the Meadowbrook students and bridging the gap between campus and community.” 

The project began when Alberto Alonso, principal at Meadowbrook Elementary School, engaged Bryan Partika, coordinator of Leadership & Experiential Learning at TCU, about college students serving his school by painting murals for the students. Partika thought it would be a great fit for TCU’s Day of Service.  

“I love working with our local elementary schools, the teachers and principals because they truly value making our volunteers feel welcomed and appreciated — the projects are also a ton of fun,” said Partika. 

Although the Day of Service is only a few hours long each semester, there were still many walls and murals that could be painted even after the day had ended, Partika explained. 

Many of the volunteers were from a first-year leadership program, advised by Partika, called LEAPS: Leaders Engaging & Assisting People through Service, whose mission is to create valuable service opportunities for TCU to get involved and serve Fort Worth.  

The LEAPS students, including Vanderford, graduate assistant advisor, continued an ongoing volunteer effort, dubbed “Mural Mania,” at Meadowbrook. Over 60 student volunteers ultimately completed the multiple murals featuring inspirational sayings for the students.  

Emily Healy, a junior business management major and LEAPS executive director, was inspired by Alonso’s passion for his school and his students. 

“I have worked with kids for as long as I can remember, and imagining their smiling faces is what made this project meaningful to me,” she said. “I saw the passion and care the principals had for their students, and I wanted to channel that energy into the work we were doing.”

Alonso expressed that the campus murals have been embraced with deep gratitude and joy, reminding him of a shared purpose: to give every student the best opportunity to thrive in school and beyond. 

“They’ve sparked a sense of positive energy, emotional support and affirmation across our community,” said Alonso. “Staff and students alike feel seen, valued and uplifted. It’s been an honor to witness.”

Volunteerism is important because it allows us to broaden our perspectives and make valuable connections, explained Partika. 

“Many times, we may chase accolades or praise, but giving our time and energy to aspects of our community that are larger than ourselves ultimately makes us better people and more responsible citizens in our community,” he said. 

For more information about getting involved in TCU’s service and volunteer programs, visit the TCU Volunteer Opportunities page or email b.partika@tcu.edu.