Habitat house nearing completion; students proud of their charity work

Jason Stukas, junior construction management major, finishes the second coat of paint in a bedroom at the Habitat for Humanity house. By Mikosha Phoenix

A month ago, the University’s Habitat for Humanity project on Angeline Avenue was nothing more than a pile of dirt.

In the past four weeks, students, volunteers and their supervisors transformed that space into a home.

Students finished painting the final coat on the inside walls just last week in a project participants say they have enjoyed because it allows them to give back to the community.

Sophomore Nick Clifton, a construction management major, said he has been involved in every step of a building project he considers motivational.

“It makes me feel good,” Clifton said.

Junior Cole Huggins, who discussed his involvement while painting a living room wall on Tuesday, agreed. “It’s good to help people who need help,” he said.

Students said they also gain valuable hands-on experience.

“Working on the Habitat House has been an useful resource in adapting what I learned in the classroom to the practical setting of a construction site,” junior Olusomi Adeyoju said.

Dr John Martin, the program coordinator for the University’s construction management program, complimented the students and the work they have done so far.

“The students have done a great job on the house and should be proud of a job well done,” he said.

The construction management program is one year old and has 31 majors, Martin said. Participating students work on Tuesday and Thursdays as well as a Saturday schedule.

By Mikosha Phoenix Contributing writer