Hope for Stanley - August 2012

Each August, the DeVos Sport Business Management Program holds its new class orientation in the city of New Orleans to rebuild from Hurricane Katrina. Although the general public perception is that the rebuilding process is close to being finished, New Orleans still needs a tremendous amount of help. Dr. Lapchick made a commitment in 2006 to this city, and the Program sends students there 3-4 times per year. On top of the phenomenal community service that the group participates in, the trip acts as a way for the new students to get to know one another, the Directors, and the older class.

For the older class, the Class of 2013 in this case, the trip serves as the last Hope for Stanley trip as a class. D13 is entering their final semester at UCF before starting their internships and jobs. For each class, it is a humbling experience and a way to create tangible benefits for a great cultural city. Below are some quotes from some students that went on the trip. Also, be sure to check out photos from the trip on the Hope for Stanley Alliance's facebook page.

Class of 2014:

Holly Mercier: "Hope for Stanley is a great experience to make an impact in a city that is still in need of assistance but is too often forgotten. To be able to lend a hand to such a strong community was truly an honor. I was reminded of the responsibility that we all have to one another as human beings and the great things we can accomplish when we all work together. The Hope for Stanley trip was truly a life-changing experience."

Angie O'Flaherty: "Giving back to the community of New Orleans was an amazing experience! I never knew how much assistance the city still needed after seven years. I am grateful to have had the opportunity."

Class of 2013:

Orlando Gunn: Regarding the Breaux House & homeowner Ms. Donna- "It's been 7 long years. Seven years since she could call what she lived in her home. Seven years since seeing what matters most to her be shared with neighbors she's known since the age of five. From state to state, she's tried to make do, but in her heart of hearts, she knew no other placed but New Orleans would do. With our help, whether it was sweeping saw dust, measuring dry wall, or drilling into the ceiling, Ms. Donna along with her husband Larry were assured that others will come home as well."

Steve Thiel: "I could not have imagined a better trip to serve as my final Hope for Stanley experience while in the DeVos Program. The group I was a part of worked on the largest and oldest house that St. Bernard Project has ever supervised. When we arrived, our site supervisor told us that the site had to be finished by the time we left. Through the hard work of the group, we were able to accomplish that goal, and finished the home that had had volunteers working on it since February. New Orleans will always have a special place in my heart thanks to these Hope for Stanley trips."