March 25, 2011

Forum, reception will honor student volunteers

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A public forum and reception will recognize Southern Illinois University Carbondale student volunteers who participated in Habitat for Humanity’s 2011 Alternative Spring Break.

The event is set for 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29, at the Student Health Center auditorium. University students, staff and faculty as well as community members are welcome to attend.

They’ll hear from group leaders and members of the volunteer groups about the work students undertook March 13-19 with Habitat for Humanity. About 75 SIUC students traveled in five work groups to Bryan, Texas, and to the Florida communities of Miami, Winter Haven and Key West. They spent their spring break putting up siding, installing roofs, erecting and painting interior walls, laying carpet and much more.

The March 29 presentation will feature pictures from each of the student trips, shown on the big screen, along with pictorial diaries of their work. The Wellness Center at the Student Health Center displayed profiles of the student volunteers during February and March, celebrating their volunteerism and is now hosting the presentation and reception to honor the students and allow others to hear of what they accomplished.

There is no cost for the event and those attending can enjoy refreshments.