Buies Creek, N.C.–Plywood, sheet rock and two-by-fours littered the ground around the old Luby Wood home place in Benson, N.C. The house, which is being restored by Habitat for Humanity of Johnston County, will become the new residence for single mother Patricia Johnston. But it is also being used for something else–an outdoor classroom for Campbell University students enrolled in a unique Honors class designed to promote community service.Taught by Drs. Ann Ortiz, associate professor of Spanish and Spanish American Literature, and John Bartlett, assistant professor of biology, Honors 102 is a component of the Campbell University College of Arts and Sciences Honors program created to foster learning and the role of the “servant leader” as part an important component of higher education.”The most important aspect of the course is the emphasis on ‘Servant Leadership,'” said Bartlett. “It is the fact that you’re helping the ‘least among us’ that gives students the sense of the Christian mission.”The Habitat house is just one of the projects in which the Honors 102 class will participate. Other learning modules include serving the homeless; stewardship which not only includes conservation of the environment but the preservation of species; enrichment projects involving students in the Harnett County Schools; the Anderson Creek Cleanup project; and working with Relay for Life and the Beacon Rescue Mission. “The goals of the course are to foster discussion of the relationship between academics and service to the community, integrate faith and learning activities both on and off campus and help students see the relationships among the academic disciplines,” Ortiz said. “The program gives students the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned and to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.”Bartlett added that the hands-on field experiences students will gain through this Honors program is the only real way to learn. “It develops students’ confidence in their own abilities, puts them in touch with the community and serves to integrate them into the role of ‘Servant Leader,’ he said.For more information, contact Dr. Ann Ortiz at 910.893.1669 or 800.334.4111, ext. 1669.Photo Copy: Students in Campbell University’s Honors “Servant Leadership” class help remodel a Habitat for Humanity House in Benson, N.C. From left, Amanda Addai, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; Danielle Boachie, of Apex, N.C.; Keelie Michael, of Welcome, N.C.; and Stephanie Meadows, of Kinston, N.C. work with a member of Habitat for Humanity of Johnston County to remodel the Luby Wood home place.
Honors class chips in to build Habitat house for single mother