Bard Athletics & Hannah Arendt Center Spring Cleanup
From campus pathways to shared green spaces, collective action once again led to meaningful impact at Bard College. On April 10, Bard Athletics partnered with the Hannah Arendt Center for their annual spring cleanup, an initiative that continues to grow stronger each year.
Now in its second year, the collaboration brought together more than 70 student-athletes, coaches, and staff, marking a record-breaking day of service and reinforcing a shared commitment to caring for the campus community. The annual spring cleanup occurs a couple of days before Bard hosts their Admitted Students Day.
“Seeing the turnout and dedication our student-athletes showed in this shared mission reflected how much we care about the community and our commitment to improving the quality for incoming students,” said Mahlia Slaiby, women’s soccer student-athlete, and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President.
What started as a simple idea that dated back seven years ago of giving back to the place, they call home has evolved into a powerful tradition rooted in teamwork and responsibility.
In the span of two hours, volunteers spread across campus, collecting litter, as well as Bard Dining plates, cups, and silverware, and working side-by-side in a unified effort to enhance Bard’s natural beauty. Like many impactful community efforts, the strength of the event came from participation, as individuals from across departments came together with a common purpose: to make a visible difference.
“In just the second year of this student-driven campus cleanup, I’m inspired by the genuine enthusiasm of our students, staff, and faculty,” said head men’s soccer coach and one of the spearhead leaders of the initiative, TJ Kostecky.
Kostecky added, “Their shared commitment reflects a deep pride in our community and a collective responsibility to care for a truly special place. When people come together with purpose, even small actions create lasting impact.”
Director of Academic Programs, Hannah Arendt Center, Jana Mader said, “Collaborating with Athletics for the Spring campus clean-up was, like last year, genuinely rewarding. At the Hannah Arendt Center, we often reflect on Arendt’s belief in the power of collective action and shared responsibility, and this effort brought that idea to life in a tangible way.”
“I’m really proud to have been involved in such a meaningful event. The entire experience really reflected the commitment that Bard students and athletes have to their community,” said Lincoln Knapp, men’s soccer student-athlete.
“Seeing so many people giving back to our campus was incredible, and I’m very grateful to be in a community that cares to make a difference,” said Knapp.
Slaiby added, “It’s always a great thing to see everybody come together and work hard to execute something like this.”
Mader added, “Everyone’s energy, teamwork, and commitment—including the Hannah Arendt Center fellows who helped organize the event (Mahlia Slaiby, Lincoln Knapp, Keta Tavartkiladze, Maia Jarrett, and Nia Beradze)—made a real impact, and it was inspiring to see people come together to care for our shared space. Collaborations like this remind us how much we can accomplish when different parts of the campus community work toward a common goal.” As the partnership between Bard Athletics and the Hannah Arendt Center continues to grow, so does its impact. Each year builds on the last, creating not only a cleaner campus but a stronger sense of connection and pride among those involved. With momentum on its side, this annual cleanup has become more than just a day of service—it’s a reflection of what can happen when a community shows up, works together, and takes ownership of the space it shares.
