Utah State University Students Making an "Extreme" Difference
Utah State University student volunteers are helping to make an “extreme” difference this week for one lucky Logan family.
ABC Television’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition selected the Janet Pauni family as the recipient of a dream home that began construction Sunday, Oct. 15. The home is being built by local contractors, volunteers and Utah State University students.
Each episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition involves fundraisers, service projects and volunteer efforts to assist the construction and design teams during the week-long effort to build a home and provide financial assistance to the family.
Utah State University students have planned many activities for students and the community to participate in the Extreme Makeover project. Monetary donation collection boxes for the Pauni family will be available in the USU Taggart Student Center basement Oct.15-22.
“Utah State has a tradition of access, outreach and service that our students lead through many volunteer efforts,” said Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht. “The same spirit of service that is exhibited on our campus is demonstrated in our community, and we welcome the opportunity to help this deserving family.”
Tuesday, Oct. 17, was “USU Service Day,” and all volunteers at the job site were Utah State students. Students are taking advantage of other opportunities to be involved in philanthropic activities that will benefit the Pauni family.
Donation boxes for summer clothing have been placed throughout campus. The donated clothing is being sent to Tonga.
The Latter-day Saint Student Association provided Lunch for the Bunch for $1 on the TSC patio. Trevor Price supplied musical entertainment. The Asian American Student Council offered another lunch on the TSC patio for $7. Some of the proceeds will be donated to the Pauni family.
Students colored and assembled reading books for children who live in Tonga. This activity took place in the TSC’s Sunburst Lounge.
Other activities include a benefit concert for the Pauni family featuring Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band, Isaac Hayden and Polynesian dancers at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.
“Since the Service Center was founded in 1970, hundreds of students have served the needs of the community through programs such as Friends for the Elderly, food drives, Project Pals, and Special Olympics,” said Leah Enzler, president of the Val R. Christensen Service Center. “We are excited to be involved with this opportunity and look forward to helping the Pauni family.”
USU is the home of the Val R. Christensen Service Center, one of the largest formal groups on campus. With more than 20 volunteer programs in the Service Center, students are able to choose from a wide range of opportunities.
“At Utah State, we strive to provide students with the opportunity to serve and to foster positive attitudes and personal growth through community service,” said Noah Riley, president of the Associated Students of Utah State University. “From the 46 USU Aggies who paid their way to spend Spring Break cleaning up areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, to Adopt-A-Grandparent and Best Buddies, students at Utah State combine learning with service.”
For more information on how to donate to the family and for a list of activities being held throughout the week, visit the Kartchner Homes Web site.
Contact: Erin Dickerson, (801) 885-7955, erindid@cc.usu.edu
Whitney Wilkinson, (435) 881-4438, whitney.wilkinson@usu.edu
Utah State student and job site volunteer, Tabbi Perkins stands at her post.
USU student volunteers gather in front of a production trailer at the job site.
USU student volunteers pose for a picture with designer Ed Sanders as he greets the crowd.
Spectators watch as demolition begins.
Utah State students watch as crews demolish the Pauni's old home.
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