It was nearly three years ago that Pawfficer Sage walked onto campus at Illinois State University and into the hearts of thousands in the Redbird community.
To celebrate her Adoptiversary, the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is hosting a party for Sage on July 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at CCE (300 W. North St.). Instead of gifts for the dog of honor, party guests are encouraged to bring new school supplies for CCE’s supply drive for the Back to School Alliance.
“We’re excited about the amazing community engagement work Sage has done in her short time here and we really wanted to celebrate that,” said Dr. Katy Strzepek, CCE director. “And because local donations are currently down for the Back to School Alliance, we’re hoping our party will help boost those, too.”
Each year CCE partners with BTSA for a Welcome Week Service Project on the Quad where students stuff school supplies into backpacks. The project won’t be possible this year, however, unless donations increase.
Sage is a trained therapy dog and serves with the Community Engagement Unit at the Illinois State University Police Department. She helps with educational and outreach programs and also provides comfort to victims when necessary.
In her first two years at Illinois State, Sage connected with over 20,000 students, faculty/staff, and community members.
“Sage truly loves the Redbird community, and we’re excited that CCE is hosting this Adoptiversary party in her honor,” said Michael Gardner, sergeant in the Community Engagement Unit.
“Bring new boxes of crayons or markers to the party—anything from the supply list—and you’ll help Sage extend her reach even further into our community,” said Gardner.
