ODU Students Give Back to the Community During Spring Break

March 14, 2006

COLUMBUS, OH – A group of students from Ohio Dominican University spent their week of spring break, March 10 – 17, lending a helping hand to the less fortunate through ODU’s alternative spring break program, organized by Campus Ministry.

The alternative spring break combines service, education and fun, as students work with people living in poverty-stricken areas. Part of the students’ day includes service activities. They experience different cultures and lifestyles, while enjoying a break from schoolwork and the classroom setting.

Austina McFarland, ODU’s Residence Hall Minister, is leading the group of 17 students to a Habitat for Humanity in Lynchburg, Virginia, where the they are working together with students from other colleges to build houses for families in need. The Fairview Christian Church are providing housing for the students and the Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity has arranged for meals.

“We are excited that students from our campus are sacrificing their Spring Break to serve in another community. In the ‘culture of me,’ service is often pushed to the side,” said McFarland. “We hope that the students will learn not only more about themselves, but that their eyes and hearts will be opened up to the needs of those around them. This is an experience and opportunity for students to step outside of themselves and give wholeheartedly to a worthy cause.”

Several students who are participating in the alternative spring break program worked with Habitat for Humanity last spring.

“Habitat for Humanity was a great experience and I never regret doing it,” said Bill Campbell, a returning student. “I chose to go a second time because the people I worked with and the experience I had made such an impact on my life that I volunteer more now. I also loved the fact that I was helping out a family that really needed it and helping to change even one person’s life is a great feeling."

The ODU students participating in the Habitat for Humanity program this year are:

Nicole Henkel, freshman
Krista Gavarkavich, sophomore
John Edmonds, junior
Thomas Meyer, junior
Alexis Vargo, sophomore
Jackie Witham, sophomore
Andrew Williams, sophomore
Bill Campbell, junior
Jennifer Green, junior
Laura Morrison, sophomore
Nikki Doles, senior

The students will be joined by Jennifer Schaaf, ODU’s Campus Minister; John Mascazine, Associate Professor of Education; and ODU alumna Jodie Grafmiller.