Seniors in capstone course raise funds for Salvation Army

This semester, seniors in Dr. Michael Budd’s Capstone Experience course organized three fundraising events to benefit the Salvation Army in Newport. Seeking to inspire the campus community to cultivate the University’s core values, the students hoped to provide the Salvation Army with clothing and food for the upcoming winter season.

Students collected donations at athletics events, including the football team’s senior day and several volleyball games. In addition, they held an open mic night at Empire Tea and Coffee.

The last event was a Polar Plunge, which took place Wednesday, Dec. 12. Students bought raffle tickets to nominate faculty and staff members to plunge into the ocean at Second Beach. Those who participated included Dr. Anthony LoPresti from the Department of Religious and Theological Studies and Brian McDonnell from the University Computer Labs.

All told, the students raised about $1,000 for the Salvation Army. Half of the money was used to purchase gloves, hats and blankets, while the other half was donated to the organization’s food pantry.

Part of the Core Curriculum, the Capstone Experience encourages students to integrate their undergraduate experience and look toward their future with thoughtfulness, sensitivity and openness. The course challenges students to address issues of personal development as well as social concerns in ways that reflect the mission of the University.