Grab a shovel and a few friends: This year’s University Day – the annual campus-wide beautification event – runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16.

Started in 1905 to improve the grounds before commencement, the day has evolved to celebrate and preserve the natural beauty of the campus.

Each spring, more than 2,000 UO students, staff/faculty and the community gather to plant flowers, spread bark dust and enjoy live entertainment as they improve the campus landscape.

To volunteer or be a leader for your department, email uday@uoregon.edu. On the day of the event, report to Collier Lawn to be assigned a task and receive a free T-shirt after an hour’s worth of work.

- UO Office of Strategic Communications