11/16/07
Baker University plans on giving as much as it receives for its 150th birthday by giving back in the form of a house for Habitat for Humanity for a family in Baldwin City.
Ruth Sarna, director of student health services, was asked by the 150th Steering Committee to take over the project after those in the student development office who were delegated to lead the project resigned over the summer.
Sarna said the project is in the beginning stages because families need to complete the application process so one can be selected, and land must be purchased to build the house on.
“We’re still trying to find a building lot,” Sarna said. “Unfortunately, that seems to be the big snag.”
Sarna said the project would cost between $80,000 and $90,000, with the house itself costing $60,000.
Sarna said she would try to break up the fundraising efforts for different portions of the house.
Student Senate President Kim Kilmartin said the project still needs a lot of financing. She said student senate will be helping raise a lot of the funds, but nothing is set in stone yet.
Kilmartin said some of the ideas student senate has come up with so far include helping Student Activities Council and KNBU-FM plan a concert, holding dinners at Baker and charging per plate, selling shirts and asking students and faculty for $10 each.
“The students are going to be a big part of raising money, and we’re going to need all the help we can get,” she said.
Kilmartin said the project would be spread between each of Baker’s four universities, and there should be no problem raising the money for the house between the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional and Graduate Studies, the School of Nursing and the School of Education.
Minister to the University Ira DeSpain will be leading an interterm course allowing the construction of a Lawrence Habitat for Humanity house in January. The plans to break ground are set for Dec. 1.
“A lot of people wanted to help,” DeSpain said. “However, only 12 students were allowed to enroll in the course.”
Kilmartin said she hopes the project will strengthen the relationship between the Baker and Baldwin City communities. She said it is more than just a service project; it’s a way for Baker to give back as it celebrates its sesquicentennial.
“The city has done a lot for Baker in the past, so it’s a good way to give back to them,” she said.