Southeastern Louisiana University

Louisiana students lining up for "Xtreme Spring Break" in Hammond

Contact: Rene Abadie

3/28/06

Caption ...

PLANNING THE XTREME SPRING BREAK – Approximately 125 students from University of Louisiana System institutions are expected to participate in “Xtreme Spring Break” at Southeastern Louisiana University April 19 – 23 in which they will help build homes in Abita Springs and Hammond for Habitat for Humanity. Reviewing plans are, from left, Michael Ledford and Lamar Marshall of Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Robert; Marvin Yates, interim vice president for student affairs; Southeastern President Randy Moffett; and SGA representatives Paul Donaldson, president, and Aron Walker, vice president. Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Wal-Mart Foundation are serving as corporate sponsors for the Southeastern project.

      HAMMOND – More than 120 students from University of Louisiana System institutions have already registered for the “Xtreme Spring Break – Students Rebuilding Louisiana,” an alternative spring vacation scheduled in April and dedicated to building homes in the hurricane-ravaged area.

      The intensive five-day program will include three full days of working with Habitat for Humanity. Scheduled April 19-23, the students will work on homes being constructed in Hammond and Abita Springs while using Southeastern Louisiana University as their home base. A similar event is being held simultaneously in southwest Louisiana with McNeese State University in Lake Charles serving as the host site.

      In addition to construction work, the students – including about 25 from Southeastern itself – will receive a general orientation on the devastation that Hurricane Katrina had on the area, as well as a presentation by Ozier Muhammad, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer with the New York Times, who covered the hurricane extensively for the newspaper.

      “This is such a great idea, and it is so gratifying to see our student leaders stepping up and making this happen,” said Southeastern President Randy Moffett. “Part of our educational aim focuses on teaching students to be good citizens. So, we strongly encourage our students to be involved in service outreach and giving back to our communities.”

      He said Southeastern has a strong history of service learning activities, including programs involving early literacy, environmental activities, tutoring efforts in area schools, and language training and health screenings among migrant workers. The university serves as the host institution for Louisiana Campus Compact, a statewide organization of 26 college and university presidents and chancellors who committed to promoting community service among students.

      “While the region is progressing in its recovery, there is still much that needs to be done and many people and organizations that need our help,” Moffett added. “Habitat for Humanity is the right organization for us to assist at this critical time.”

      The project is receiving strong support from Southeastern’s Student Government Association. SGA President Paul Donaldson said Xtreme Spring Break represents a valuable opportunity for students to give back to the area following the hurricane.

      “Immediately after the storm, students were looking for ways to help; now they have a chance to help rebuild through Habitat for Humanity,” Donaldson said. “College students, unfortunately, are often characterized and stereotyped by what is shown on MTV about spring breaks. We’re looking to show that we do care about our neighbors and want to help them. What we’re doing is an exciting and worthy cause, and we look forward to the challenge.”

      The Southeastern project will benefit from the corporate sponsorship of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Robert, La., and the Wal-Mart Foundation, which are providing cash, meals, supplies and other items needed to support the effort.

      “We are truly honored to be a part of this project,” said Lamar Marshall, general manager of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center. “When we were approached about participating in this event, we felt like we should do everything we can to help rebuild the area. This is an ideal project for us to sponsor.”

      Other area companies participating in providing meals and other support include Coca-Cola, Jambalaya and Company of Hammond and Raisin’ Canes restaurants.

      “Wal-Mart didn’t hesitate when we came to them about being a major corporate sponsor for our Xtreme Spring Break,” said Marvin Yates, interim vice president for student affairs. “Likewise, the other sponsors are happy to participate. It’s encouraging to see these businesses come forward as good corporate partners who are anxious to help our displaced citizens recover.”

      The students who are trading their spring vacations to work in the area come from the various University of Louisiana System institutions. In addition to Southeastern and McNeese, students participating in the projects will come from Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, Northwestern State, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.