Albany, NY--Sage student-athletes, students, faculty and staff were on hand on Tuesday to participate in "Sage Engaged." Participants donated their time and energy on Tuesday at both Prospect Park in Troy, New York and Washington Park in Albany, NY.

Student-athletes from many of Sage's 12 varsity teams were on hand and collected leaves, painted picnic tables and helped to clean the areas two wonderful public parks.

The beautification efforts are just one of many community-focused service project Sage is involved in this week, as part of the 2010 Sage Engaged activities. The week of activities provide a great way for Sage College of Albany and Russell Sage College students to work towards their 1000 Hour Challenge. At the start of the semester, students pledged to complete 500 hours of community service during the Fall, 2010 semester and another in the Spring. This student-led initiative provides an opportunity for those involved to become active participants in their neighborhood, to address the needs of the Albany and the Troy communities and to give back to those in need while developing their academic skills.