by Jean Sealey
Northeast Florida Builders Association
Students in the Building Construction Management program at the University of North Florida are putting what they’ve learned in their classes to good use in the community.
“Our new department chair, Dr. John Martin, has given the department a new direction,” said UNF student Osiel Torres, a senior in the Building Construction Management program. “The department has adopted a new vision toward community service and learning experience.”
Torres said the approach will enhance the learning experience, while at the same time benefit the Jacksonville community.
Recently, about a dozen BCM students spent the weekend building an interior wood frame wall at The Grove House. The Grove House provides residential assistance to adults with developmental and acquired disabilities in order to maximize their inclusion into the community, enabling them to lead more productive, dignified and independent lives.
“The scope of work consisted of building the wall including insulation, hanging drywall and painting,” Torres said. “Between 10 to 15 students showed up for the service-learning project. All the students were more than happy to participate in the project and help the Jacksonville community. They all showed up with framing tools, saws, and the necessary tools to complete the job.”
Torres, a recipient of the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Arnold Tritt Scholarship, is, in addition to completing his studies at UNF, employed by Morales Construction Co.
Torres believes the program will continue to place an emphasis on giving students learning opportunities that also help the community. Several other service-learning projects are scheduled to take place this month.
Torres said NEFBA members Morales Construction Co., Lumber Unlimited and Genesis Insulation, along with other companies such as Kirbyco Builders, support the program and are partners with UNF in providing this learning-enhancing experience.