By John Ostapkovich

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – La Salle University is marking its 150th anniversary year by reaching out in a big day of service Saturday.

La Salle will put its commitment to service into high gear.

“This is a very special year for La Salle,” says Trey Ulrich, the school’s assistant vice president for Alumni Relations. “It’s our 150th anniversary, so this is the first time we’re doing this type of program involving alumni, faculty, staff and students. Service a huge part of the La Salle University mission and we’ve exceeded our expectations in volunteers.”

Ulrich says at least a thousand people have signed up for service projects in Philadelphia, and as far away as Yakima, Washington and abroad.

“Our club leaders that are in areas outside of the United States provided us with some contact information and different organizations. For all the local sites, our University Ministry in Service group, University Events Team and Alumni Relations all teamed up to gather all the volunteers and to work with the sites.”

Ulirch says the number of volunteers exceeded expectations, especially since this is the first time such a combined alumni, faculty, staff and student event has been done.

The volunteers will put in some elbow grease at sites like Habitat for Humanity projects, homeless shelters, hospices, food banks, and churches. LaSalle’s on-going efforts already gained notice of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in terms of community engagement.