“We’re doing Random Acts of Kindness Day,” Shepherd announced to Trista Caffyn-Parsons ’28, a marketing major from Braintree, Massachusetts. “We’re just buzzing around, driving people to and from class — wherever they need to go — and passing out some gift cards.”

Caffyn-Parsons, who also happens to be a member of the women’s tennis team, was sold. Just like that, she hopped in the back seat.

“Are you for real?” she grinned. “I love your side quest, thank you!”

“That’s what I’m here for!” replied Shepherd, assistant director of next generation and affinity giving, as he stepped on the accelerator and headed toward the Quad.

The scene repeated itself for five, fun-filled hours Tuesday, all across the Mount Carmel Campus, from The Village to the Carl Hansen Student Center to the Arnold Bernhard Library and beyond.

It was all part of the Student Philanthropy Council’s “Kindness Kart” effort to build community engagement, drive student empowerment and foster a culture of giving back to Quinnipiac. The group has also sponsored a scavenger hunt and a trivia night.

But on this particular day, with spring beckoning, students were clearly delighted and surprised.

After their rides, students chose from a stack of nearly 200 gift cards donated by Chick-fil-A, Eli’s, Latte Soul and Jersey Mike’s of Cheshire. Tonino’s, Whitney Donut and Chartwells also served as sponsors.

“The businesses were all very generous,” Shepherd said. “They already partner with Quinnipiac and do so much, but the fact that they were willing to do even more and partner with us for this event too is really great.”

For Rachael Allen ’27, a 3+1 accounting major from Howell, New Jersey, the Student Philanthropy Council is more than just another college activity.

“It’s a good way to interact with students and let them know what we’re doing. It can be something as simple as a free ride in a golf cart and a free gift card,” said Allen, the SPC’s finance chair and a member of the Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies.

“It’s just a good way to share our message and share some kindness,” she added. “I like to give back, I like to volunteer and I wanted to learn more about philanthropy. So, I signed up — and here I am.”

Haley Wynne ’25, a journalism and public relations double major from Plainview, New York, also serves on the SPC’s executive board as the communications chair.

“It’s important to be kind every day,” Wynne said. “And part of being kind is helping out whenever you can — whatever that means to you. It could be giving a gift or giving your time. It all spreads kindness and philanthropy to support others.”

For Shepherd, who worked in the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs for three years as an undergraduate, the chance to return to Quinnipiac last spring as a staff member was the perfect homecoming.

“For me, this is home,” said Shepherd, a former resident assistant who is currently working on his MBA at Quinnipiac. “This was my No. 1 school for college. It wasn’t even close. So for me, it was a no-brainer to come back. I love it here.”

For those who couldn’t make it to the “Kindness Kart,” the Student Philanthropy Council set up a table of free souvenirs in the Piazza celebrating the men’s ice hockey 2023 national championship. Shepherd said Kaitlin Lewis, associate athletic director for strategic partnerships, and Eric Grgurich, executive director of the M&T Bank Arena, were especially helpful with providing the merchandise.

“We all wanted to do something fun for the Quinnipiac community,” Shepherd said, stepping on the accelerator to pick up his next passenger. “I’d say this has been a hit with students. They all love it.”