Spring 2011 - The University of Akron

( feATure sTory )
UA Students Spend Spring Break
Helping New Orleans
university of akron students in front of a home
that they renovated near new orleans.
For one group of UA students, spring break meant long hours in
the sultry, Gulf Coast sun — painting, hammering and sawing.
The students, along with several faculty and staff members —
120 volunteers in all — participated in UA’s alternative spring
break relief efforts, helping to rebuild hurricane-ravaged homes
in the Gulf Coast communities of Acadiana and Calcasieu, near
New Orleans.
Since the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita in 2005, the University has annually organized a trip for
students who want to assist in the region’s rebuilding efforts.
UA partnered with the national nonprofit group, Rebuilding
Together, for this year’s trip.
Students performed an array of activities including putting
down new sub floors, laying new tiles, tearing down and
rebuilding an exterior wall, interior and exterior painting,
plumbing and electrical work, repairing roofs, installing
new bathrooms fixtures, building a handicap ramp, and even
demolishing a home. At Calcasieu they renovated five homes
and a children’s summer camp.
Helping to defray costs for the trip is the $15,600 raised by the
Hearts for Humanity dinner dance and auction in February and
more than $2,000 raised from other sources.
Gratitude a powerful motivator
While no construction experience is necessary, many members
of the UA crew have volunteered on previous trips. And most,
like Craig Wise, agree that the overall experience outweighs long
workdays and the rustic living conditions that come with bunking
at a campground.
This is the third alternative spring break trip for Wise, an
assistant professor of construction engineering technology. He
says the gratitude of Gulf Coast residents is part of what keeps
him returning.
“I believe in the effort — with all the hurricane damage and
poverty in the area, it’s a real gift to us to be able to make a
difference,” said Wise.
But the trip also offered a unique opportunity for the student
volunteers who are construction engineering majors to gain real
life work experience.
“We set it up so they functioned as project managers,”
explained Wise. “They coordinated supply lists, scheduled the
crews and taught the students who have no building skills how
to use the tools safely and handle different tasks. It provided a
wonderful opportunity to develop their leadership skills, so it
became a much deeper experience for them.”
Eric Zarobila would be the first to agree.
The construction engineering major, due to graduate in May,
made his third Gulf Coast trip, as well.
Everyone benefits — especially UA students
“I would describe my experiences as perfect,” said Zarobila. “I’ve
made good friends on the trips and helped families who needed it.
The leadership aspect is really important, too. I’m working with
peers who depend on my knowledge and skills. As a manager, I
have to gain their respect and trust, like any other work situation.”
The continuing interest and support of the alternative spring
break experience is gratifying to Ron McDonald, UA’s director of
leadership, development and special projects.
“In the first five years, 329 volunteers have given more than
13,000 hours of service, and the University community has given
well over $70,000 to help support the effort,” said McDonald.
“Part of our mission as an institution is to help our students
become engaged citizens who will continue to make a difference
in the world. Providing service opportunities is a great way to
reach that goal.”
A M AgA z in e for A lu M ni & f rie n ds of T h e u ni v e r siT y of A k ron w w w. ua k ron. edu
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