More than 65 volunteers and students from the University of Central Arkansas’ (UCA) Biz@Bear Residential College collected over 500 products for children in Arkansas foster care.
Biz@Bear students presented approximately $1650 worth of donations to the Children’s Advocacy Alliance in a ceremony on the stripes at UCA’s Estes Stadium on April 28.
Jasmin Joseph, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Supervisor at Children’s Advocacy Alliance, was on hand to receive the donations at the ceremony.
“When children are taken into foster care, they don’t have time to grab these items. These donations – things that many of us take for granted – make a huge difference for these kids,” said Joseph.
Students collected toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, body wash, and other personal hygiene items for children in Arkansas foster care age zero to 17. Josef told students that these items are constantly needed for children and youth in foster care.
“As a child who made her way through the system, I know firsthand that small contributions make a world of difference for children being uprooted from their homes,” said Dr. Louisa Moseley, the Academic Director of the Biz@Bear Residential College responsible for the project.
Joseph said that giving back to the community brings the giver more meaning and purpose in life. This event is just one way that UCA aims to help its students experience service-learning firsthand during their college careers.
Director of Learning Communities Dr. Jayme Millsap Stone emphasized, “Living our values is the heart of the Residential College mission. Learning how those values can be practically applied to the academic experience is the hand of our endeavor. The blending of living and learning as a community of scholars is the soul of who we are in Biz@Bear. Dr. Moseley embodies the heart, hand, soul of our work in UCA’s Learning Communities.”
UCA Learning Communities, like Biz@Bear, engage students in a living and learning environment which is designed for making memories, pride-worthy grades, long-lasting friendships, and engaged citizens. With business faculty and UCA upperclassmen living alongside students, they serve as an academic example and guide students to achieve their goals.
UCA College of Business Dean Michael Hargis added, “The UCA College of Business delivers experiences like this donation drive that prepare and inspire our students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders. We love to see students and alumni who positively impact their communities.”
The UCA College of Business offers 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates that equip current and future business professionals to meet the changing business environment. The AACSB-accredited program offers a thorough business education in coordination with opportunities for hands-on experience, service-learning, and industry networking.
