Putting down the books, picking up a paintbrush

It was a perfect Spring day in April as a group of students and faculty from the College of Health and Human Sciences gathered to volunteer their time at a Habitat for Humanity site on the edge of Philomath. From painting to carpeting, they all contributed in applying the finishing touches of a project that has been in the works since late 2010 and is scheduled for dedication to the new owners within the upcoming week.

The faculty and students agreed that it was a perfect opportunity to get into the community and that day-long projects allow for enough time to do something valuable and fit in with their busy lives. Kyle Holzkamp, a senior in the design and human environments studying interior design, feels that getting hands-on experience and getting out into the community is invaluable. “It’s good for the University, the department and the people doing it.”

The College of Health and Human Sciences also participated in a larger build project in Benton County on May 14.

Students and faculty in the college gathered once again in an organized volunteer effort for the Benton County Habitat for Humanity. The May14^th project took place at the Hilltop Village site on Highland Drive in North Corvallis with more than 35 participating in planting, site clean-up, and irrigation work.

Mark Hoffman, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Health and Human Sciences, said “I am excited that we have the opportunity to provide experiences outside the classroom for the students in our college. Organizing this type of service-learning project allows them to experience new things and show them we are committed to their learning inside and outside of the classroom.”  He believes that community service and involvement is a crucial component of higher education. “Across the OSU campus, there is a clear effort to increase experiential learning. We know that the students’ experience is enhanced when they make connections with faculty, staff and other students.”

“Our college has a history of coming together and supporting community service projects. As the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, I would like to carry on this tradition and continue to create opportunities for our students to connect with others on and off the campus.”