East Texas A&M Students and Staff Take on Habitat Collegiate Challenge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In an inspiring demonstration of selfless service and community impact, a group of students and two staff members from East Texas A&M University recently participated in the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event allowed the ETAMU team to roll up their sleeves and make a meaningful difference, working side by side with local volunteers to build homes for families in need.

The Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge is an annual initiative that brings together students from colleges and universities across the country to engage in volunteer work that directly benefits communities in need of housing.

Among the standout contributors were Juan Olivo and Kaillee Bennett, two staff members at ETAMU who played key roles in guiding and supporting the students throughout the challenge. The students, ranging from individuals who are involved in many different ways around campus, include Alexis Warner, Anita Macias-Solis, Daniella Craft, Delilah Reyes, H'Lyia Kennedy, Jessica Alonso, Kayla Francis, and Taylor Gray. Juan and Kaillee's leadership was instrumental in motivating the team, providing direction, and ensuring that everyone worked efficiently and collaboratively. Their commitment to fostering an environment of teamwork and service was evident throughout the event, making a lasting impact on both the students and the families they were helping.

The students, known for their Lion pride, embodied the university's values of hard work, compassion and community. The team worked tirelessly, assisting with various tasks, from constructing the frame of new homes to painting and landscaping. Despite the challenges posed by the hot Florida weather and the demands of the construction work, the ETAMU Lions showed resilience and determination, proving that their commitment to service knows no bounds.

The Office of Student Engagement at East Texas A&M, which encourages students to participate in activities that foster leadership and community engagement, expressed immense pride in the team's efforts.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for taking on this challenge with such dedication and heart,” said a representative from the Office of Student Engagement. “Their selfless service and willingness to go the extra mile not only reflect the values of our university but also transform lives in ways that will be remembered for years to come.”

The Habitat Collegiate Challenge not only allowed the students and staff to make a tangible difference in the lives of families but also provided them with invaluable experiences. As the homes they helped build took shape, so did the students' understanding of the power of community and the profound impact of working together toward a common goal.

The participants’ dedication to giving back to the community is a shining example of what it means to be a Lion—putting service above self and making a difference wherever they go.

As the team left Fort Lauderdale, they returned to East Texas A&M not just with a sense of pride for the work completed but also with the knowledge that they had made a lasting impact on the lives of families in need. Through their hard work, determination and selflessness, they demonstrated the true meaning of service and embodied the spirit of East Texas A&M University.