For the second consecutive year, TCU hosted the DFW Service Summit, bringing together
university students and staff from across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Representatives from
TCU, Texas Wesleyan University, and the University of Texas at Arlington gathered on Saturday,
February 28, to explore ways to strengthen service efforts and deepen connections within the
community. Attendance doubled from the inaugural summit, reflecting the growing interest in
collaborative service leadership across campuses.
The summit was created by Jacob Vanderford, a graduate assistant in TCU’s Higher Education
Leadership program. Vanderford envisioned a space where student leaders could connect with
peers at other universities who share a commitment to community service.
“I saw how many campuses across the DFW metroplex were doing incredible service work in
isolation, and I wanted to create a space where student leaders could collaborate, share ideas,
and build something bigger together,” Vanderford said. “One of my favorite things is watching
students from different campuses connect over a shared passion for service and leave feeling
energized, empowered, and supported in their leadership and shared goal of giving back to their
communities.”
The summit featured a panel of local nonprofit leaders who spoke about the importance of long-
term relationships between volunteers and the communities they serve. Representatives from
Project 4031, LGBTQ SAVES, and Hope-4-Kids shared perspectives on the often unseen impact
volunteers make through consistent engagement and genuine human connection. Participants
also served together ahead of the summit at Fort Worth Community Collaborative, giving
students a chance to build relationships while working side by side.
In addition to the nonprofit panel, the summit included breakout sessions led by students from
each participating university. One session was led by first-year TCU student Matteo Longarini,
who presented on “Music for Service.” Longarini, a double major in Piano Performance and
International Economics, explored how music can create emotional connections and strengthen
service experiences.
Longarini shared how his own passion for piano has shaped his approach to service.
“Music is how I communicate what’s real, breaking down barriers and allowing vulnerability,”
he said. “In service, my aim is to positively impact others, especially those struggling or isolated.
Since music and service both reduce social blocks and foster connection, I advocate combining
them. They complement each other and achieve that same purpose of uplifting lives.”
His perspective grew from real experiences through LEAPS, one of TCU’s first-year leadership
programs focused on servant leadership. During a visit to the Waterford Fort Worth retirement
community in Fall 2025, Longarini noticed a piano in the room and began playing. Vanderford
soon introduced him to a resident who had once been a singer. Within minutes, the two were
performing together and drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
