Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 12, 2001 - Beginning Oct. 13, a group of University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering and Technology students will begin a project that will allow them to give back to the state of Nebraska and the Omaha community.
The students, members of Sigma Lambda Chi on the Omaha campus, will build a deck and ramp onto the Douglas County Health Center. Members of the organization are required to do community service and in the past have done so through Habitat for Humanity. This year, adviser Ron Haggin, associate professor in construction systems technology, was approached by the center and agreed to help.
"We want to give back to Nebraska and our community for the education they have given our students," Haggin said.
The Douglas County Health Center, 42nd and Woolworth streets, houses 254 long-term care patients and 24 assisted-living patients. The ramp will give them access from the deck to a courtyard and basketball court.
The deck and ramp were part of a larger renovation project at the health center, said administrator Jim Tourville. But when the construction costs came in higher than expected, the deck was cut. When Tourville learned of Sigma Lambda Chi's commitment to community service, he asked Haggin if the college could help. But he wasn't expecting everything he got.
The students will provide free professional labor, while the county will pay for all materials. Haggin is working with local contractors to get equipment and expertise, as well as any additional materials. "I am thrilled," Tourville said. "We didn't expect them to do all that. We're really excited about the project and working with the college."
The project is expected to be completed by Nov. 4.
For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825