Every fall semester brings the opportunity to pick up a paintbrush and beautify Moscow. Free T-shirts are collected, shoes are spattered in various shades and the art of the paint roller is mastered in the name of Paint the Palouse.
Madeline Lawson | Rawr
Students all chip in their Vandal spirit to paint the Palouse at the Almon House on Saturday, Sept. 13.
This year, those T-shirts are proudly adorned with the words, “25th Anniversary.”
The University of Idaho Residence Hall Association started Paint the Palouse in 1989 as a way to help students give back to the community by painting the homes of those who are unable to themselves.
When asked why she volunteered to wake up early on a weekend to paint a stranger’s home, freshman Sarah Erdman didn’t hesitate to answer.
“Paint the Palouse is a good opportunity to restore the community. I signed up because I’m really interested in getting involved,” Erdman said.
Getting involved is what makes Paint the Palouse a special way to get off campus and create relationships, according to returning volunteer Michelle Aoi.
“I was a Resident Assistant for my first two years as a volunteer, and I saw a lot of my residents make friends by going out and getting involved,” Aoi said.
Aoi said she is proud to be a part of the 25th anniversary of Paint the Palouse.
“To see such a great program going strong after 25 years is a testament to the enthusiasm behind it,” she said.
That enthusiasm has endured, and according to freshman volunteer Madison Seymour, it is what made her most want to get involved.
“The University of Idaho creates so many opportunities to be active in the Moscow community, and they encourage you to do so,” Seymour said. “Paint the Palouse proves that there is more to campus life than just athletic events.”
Lyndsie Kiebert can be reached at [email protected]