Posted: Monday, August 26, 2013

To promote social responsibility and demonstrate how college students can make an impact in the community, the University of Evansville joined Habitat for Humanity of Evansville this morning in breaking ground on a new home.

A groundbreaking ceremony and news conference took place at 10:00 a.m. at the building site, 509 Covert Ave. Representatives from the University of Evansville and Habitat for Humanity of Evansville spoke, as did future homeowner Sara Johnson, who will move into the home with her husband and their five children upon its completion.

The project marks the University of Evansville’s first time contributing financially to a Habitat build. UE has committed $25,000 to the project: $12,500 from Student Congress and $12,500 from a gift from the Paul and Judy Estridge Foundation to support servant leadership projects.

UE will work with Ron Hollander, a 1972 alumnus and senior vice president of The Hollander Group at Hilliard Lyons, and his wife, Kathy, on the project in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. The Hollanders have committed to raising the additional $55,000 needed for the build with the help of their family, friends, and parish.

Social responsibility is a core goal of the University of Evansville’s strategic plan, and beginning with this year’s incoming freshman class, students will be required to complete a three-credit-hour course related to social responsibility or an approved service project. The groundbreaking also took place the same day as UE’s annual Freshman Service Project, in which UE’s incoming students fan out across the city to complete service projects at 20 locations.

“Social responsibility is a campus-wide strategic initiative that truly defines life at UE: It’s how we encourage our students and our campus community to live every day,” said Geoff Edwards, director of UE’s Center for Student Engagement. “We’re thrilled to take part in a Habitat build that will transform the life of a family right here in Evansville. This project is a great example of how students can make an impact in the community they call home during their college years, while learning about the important topic of affordable housing.” 

The home is scheduled for completion in early December, and groups of UE students will volunteer throughout the construction process.

Share this article: