Pi Kapps Take Academics Beyond the Classroom
On Monday, January 19, 2009 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Gamma Phi chapter of Pi Kappa Phi at the University of South Alabama will build a wheelchair ramp for a family in the Chrichton Community. This service project is in conjunction with a kick-off event for the University of South Alabama’s new Center for Academic Service-Learning and Civic Engagement which is co-directed by Karen Peterson, instructor in English at USA and wife of our Chapter Advisor Tom Peterson.
The building materials for the ramp are being donated by the chapter through a Push America Accessability Grant.
USA joins universities around the world in supporting the community by participating in academic service-learning. Service-learning is an instructional strategy that links classroom learning goals with volunteering in the community.
Through service-learning, students grow to become civic-minded citizens while participating in deeper active and authentic learning experiences which support specific objectives in academic courses. “We want our students to understand that they can impact their community through service,” Peterson said.
This day of service-learning projects was developed and planned by USA students. Gamma Phi's wheelchair ramp construction is one of many service projects taking place this day. Other projects include: health screenings; arts and crafts and various sports clinics; and yard clean-up at Dumas Wesley Community Center; painting and a computer workshop at Sybil Smith Family Village; preparing meals at the Waterfront Rescue Mission; cleanup at USA Children’s and Women’s Sculpture Park; clothes sorting at the Penelope House Clothes Closet; volunteer work at Little Sisters of the Poor; and health and prevention screenings at Central Plaza Towers.
Volunteer groups will gather at 1 p.m. at the Sybil H. Smith Family Village at 111 Mobile Street for lunch and to share stories from their project. Tee-shirts will be given to the volunteers who will assist with various projects.
Sponsors are: The University of South Alabama, Target, The Coca Cola Corporation, USA Student Government Association, USA Jaguar Productions, USA Dining Services and Spring Hill Avenue United Methodist Church.
Any alumni who is interested in helping with this event,
please contact brother Andrew Schneider,
Treasurer and Push Chair,
at ams607@jaguar1.usouthal.edu