Project RED Cupid

Danielle Aiken

Editor in Chief

During the beginning of the Spring semester at Assumption University, a campus‑wide service initiative quietly took shape, bringing together students, faculty, and staff around a shared commitment to those serving overseas.

Project RED Cupid, a care‑package drive supporting deployed service members, combined support with an approach that emphasized accessibility, coordination, and sustained engagement.

The purpose of Project RED Cupid is clearly defined. As Nathan Avery ‘26, the student spearheading the initiative, explained, “Project RED Cupid exists to support deployed service members by sending care packages with practical items and small comforts that remind them of home, especially things that are hard to access while overseas.”

While the care packages are sent abroad, the project’s audience is firmly rooted on campus. Avery noted that “at Assumption, the audience is broad. Many students, faculty, and families have a personal connection to military service, so the project naturally resonates across campus and beyond.”

The execution of the project has centered on visibility and participation. Donation bins were placed in high‑traffic areas throughout campus buildings, making contributions straightforward and accessible for members of the university community. When winter weather disrupted normal routines, the club adjusted accordingly.

“Because of the disruptive weather, we extended the collection window by a few weeks to give the community a fair chance to participate,” Avery said. Marketing efforts relied on established communication channels, including OSEAL, the university’s Facebook parent community and Campus Ministry. According to Avery, these platforms were chosen intentionally “to reach students, families, and staff through channels they already trust and use.”

Avery’s decision to lead the initiative was shaped by both opportunity and example. “Wendy Cehon, Senior Administrative Assistant, reached out with an opportunity that was clearly mission‑driven and worth doing,” he said.

He also cited the influence of Wendy and Faculty member Richard Cehon’s longstanding volunteer work with Project New Hope, adding, “Their consistency and service mindset motivated me to contribute in a meaningful way and bring that same energy to campus.”

From its inception, Project RED Cupid has relied on collaboration between student leaders and university staff. The initiative has been supported by the Veteran Success Committee and the Military Connect Club, with staff partners assisting in planning, approvals, logistics, and promotion.

Offices represented in the effort include the President’s Office, Undergraduate Studies, Student Affairs, Public Safety, the Library, and the Provost’s Office, along with additional campus offices. The collective involvement highlights the importance of shared responsibility in bringing the project to life.

Early outcomes suggest strong engagement. Avery reported that “we have already received strong support through online donations, which helps cover packing and shipping costs.” He added that, based on current momentum, “we expect the donation bins to be filled with enough items to assemble and ship multiple care packages to deployed service members.”

The experience further clarified the role of the Military Connect Club on campus. Avery observed, “I learned that the Military Connect Club succeeds when we collaborate well with staff offices, communicate clearly, and make it simple for the community to support the mission.” He added that “the club is not just a social group, it is a connector that can mobilize campus resources into amazing outcomes for service members and students.”

Avery also highlighted aspects of the Military Connect Club that are often overlooked. “One important point is that the Military Connect Club is open to everyone, not only veterans,” he said.

The organization, he explained, actively seeks students interested in leadership experience and responsibility, offering roles that support service, advocacy, and community projects while strengthening professional development. The club also provides mentorship for those discerning military service, currently serving, or seeking connection with veterans across different branches and career fields.

Looking ahead, Avery noted that the club’s work continues beyond Project RED Cupid. “Our next major initiative launches in April in recognition of the Month of the Military Child,” he said, adding that the club will host events and fundraisers “to honor military‑connected children and highlight the sacrifices they make alongside their families.”