2008 Woodie Awards
Campus throws itself into Habitat for Humanity project
Rosie Foley
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
Last fall, Union College President Stephen Ainlay announced that the College would transfer ownership of a house on Barrett Street to the Schenectady County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Union students and staff initiated the project, and with approval from the Board of Trustees, the campus community entered into this philanthropic endeavor in early November.
So far, participation on the project has been overwhelming. Volunteers work every Wednesday and Saturday on the house, providing either physical labor on the site or making and serving lunch to the workers.
Director of Student Activities Matt Milless commented on campus involvement, stating, "when this idea was mentioned to me, someone asked if I thought we could get enough students to participate. My response then was 'you will have too many.' Indeed, one of the biggest challenges with this project is keeping all the volunteers engaged and busy; we have had to split up some groups for different days."
Kathryn Quinn, the President's Assistant, noted that "the students, faculty, and staff have been very receptive to this project, and it is coming along nicely. When we were there [last] Wednesday, the Habitat workers said they would not be this far along if it were not for the Union College workers. They also said they are delighted to see the students, because they add a smile and breath of fresh air to the work that is going on. Also, this is the biggest house they have taken on, and they have not had to look for many volunteers because of Union's overwhelming response."
Even though the majority of the campus community left for winter break early on in the project, the strong volunteer support and progress on the house did not waver. In late November, members of the Student Affairs committee, including staff members, deans, and support staff, volunteered for two shifts at the Habitat for Humanity house. They installed sub-floors, took down old doors, and made closets.
So far, participation on the project has been overwhelming. Volunteers work every Wednesday and Saturday on the house, providing either physical labor on the site or making and serving lunch to the workers.
Director of Student Activities Matt Milless commented on campus involvement, stating, "when this idea was mentioned to me, someone asked if I thought we could get enough students to participate. My response then was 'you will have too many.' Indeed, one of the biggest challenges with this project is keeping all the volunteers engaged and busy; we have had to split up some groups for different days."
Kathryn Quinn, the President's Assistant, noted that "the students, faculty, and staff have been very receptive to this project, and it is coming along nicely. When we were there [last] Wednesday, the Habitat workers said they would not be this far along if it were not for the Union College workers. They also said they are delighted to see the students, because they add a smile and breath of fresh air to the work that is going on. Also, this is the biggest house they have taken on, and they have not had to look for many volunteers because of Union's overwhelming response."
Even though the majority of the campus community left for winter break early on in the project, the strong volunteer support and progress on the house did not waver. In late November, members of the Student Affairs committee, including staff members, deans, and support staff, volunteered for two shifts at the Habitat for Humanity house. They installed sub-floors, took down old doors, and made closets.
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