Students breathe new life into campus chapter of Habitat

E&H students lend helping hands to built a Habitat for Humanity house currently under construction in Glade Spring.

A campus organization is getting a facelift this semester, thanks to several Emory & Henry students, including a first-year student whose aim is “to make a difference.”

One of the first things Jordan Remy did when arriving on campus in August was become involved in the Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. “I wanted a way to give back to the community and I was looking for a leadership position,” said Remy, a first-year student, who was elected president of the chapter in October.

Other new officers are Nick Copeland, treasurer, Andrea Behrer, secretary, and Kelsey Burke, works as the chapter's project coordinator.

Remy has been giving back to the community since he was a child growing up as a Boy Scout. Remy’s father was an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in scouts, and Remy earned the same honor when he was 17.

 “My family has always believed in giving back,” said Remy, describing his father who made a habit of serving the community, and his late mother whose positive attitude was an inspiration to the International Business major from Suffolk, Va.  “She’s always been proud of me and because of that, I want to continue serving others,” said Remy, who is excited to be part of a Habitat Build being sponsored by Emory & Henry College, along with other community partners, during Spring 2012.

 “Our campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity has been dormant for almost two years until this fall,” explained Shai Cullop, Coordinator of Campus Service Programs in the Appalachian Center at Emory & Henry College. “The prospect of the college partnering with other community organizations to build a Habitat House has breathed new life into the chapter. The Activities Fair in August helped to pull in new members, such as Jordan. I think Jordan has got what it takes to help revitalize the campus chapter.”

During spring semester, an E&H student will be elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Washington County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. “To my knowledge, we have never had a student on the board who will be helping to make major decisions in the organization,” said Cullop.

As a newly-elected officer, Remy began planning fund-raising activities to benefit the Habitat Build that will require $35,000 to complete. The house is projected to begin February 2012. All labor and some supplies will be donated to the build.
On Nov. 17, the campus chapter sponsored a video game tournament, raising $65 for the building effort.

Several E&H students, along with campus groups have already volunteered with a Habitat House under construction in Glade Spring since August. Campus groups that have participated in the build are Sigma Upsilon Nu, Delta Rho Delta, the Resident Hall Association, and the E&H football players during Football Day of Service.

Nikki Lynn, a senior at Emory & Henry College, helped to spread concrete for the foundation of the house. “It was pretty awesome to have the opportunity to work with this effort,” said Lynn. “It’s even more exciting to see our communities come together in this way to accomplish this goal.”

During fall semester, Lynn has worked with Washington County Habitat for Humanity to fulfill requirements for her senior practicum in the Public Policy and Community Service major. Lynn has handled administrative issues, such as collecting data to better track volunteers, donors and home owners. She has developed new procedures for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Glade Spring.

Remy said the campus chapter will continue to sponsor more fund-raising events to help with the Habitat House starting possibly in February.