Students continue “Delve into Danville” tradition

For Centre College students, community engagement isn’t just a box to check off their collegiate to-do list. Throughout their time on campus, students will often engage in service projects, conduct research in collaboration with local partners and become active in various civic initiatives.

That engagement process began quickly for first-year students who participated in the “Delve into Danville” event to kick off the school year, touring and learning more about the city of Danville.

The Centre College Office of Civic and Community Engagement encourages all first-year students to engage in the practice, now in its third year. Students visit local coffee shops, downtown sights, nonprofit agencies, businesses and more.

“All of the owners were really happy to see us,” first-year student Emelia Martin said. “They told us a little bit about their business, and we learned more about the different places. I found it really enjoyable because I was able to see more things off campus. It was nice to see different places that I could go study or go hang out with friends if I need time away from homework and whatnot.”

Martin, a native of Lewis Center, Ohio, said that she wasn’t sure what to expect from Delve into Danville, but came away with an added appreciation of the town she’ll live in this school year.

First-year students were paired with their first-year mentors — some of whom had completed the Delve into Danville event as a first years.

“This was my third time doing Delve into Danville,” Madhu Gunasena said. “I believe it helps acclimate students to the city … sometimes Centre can be a bubble, and it’s good to reach out of that bubble by exploring different parts of Danville.”

Gunasena is a member of the class of 2025 and said that she’s still seeing organizations and businesses in Danville that she wasn’t aware of before Delve into Danville like Paint Parties — a local business that does what its name implies: hosts parties, with paint.

“I love painting and would love to go again,” Gunasena said.

Many local businesses also provide discounts for Centre students, faculty and staff — another benefit to the event.

“No one can be disappointed in finding local shops and things to do or eat around town,” Gunasena said. “I don't think I would have known about the hidden gems and what Danville has to offer if I didn't participate.”

Martin agreed and said that she’d recommend it to any student.

“It’s a great opportunity to broaden your circle,” she said. “It’s nice to have that community, my first-year mentor introduced me to a campus ministry group as well. We also went to the farmer’s market, that was cool. People in Danville seem to love the Centre students, love seeing them around.”