FAYETTE, Iowa (April 11, 2008) - In the spirit of community for 151 years and as a show of goodwill in continuing the relationship Upper Iowa University (UIU) has had with the city of Fayette, it will be hosting the 2nd annual Fayette Appreciation Day on Wednesday, April 23. The first event was held last year as part of UIU's sesquicentennial celebration.
The day will begin at 8:00 a.m. with lots of community service projects planned-yard work, painting, trash pickup and hauling, ditch cleaning, and more. These projects will get done in large part by individual students and student organizations from the Fayette campus, but the students will be aided by University staff. At noon, the workers will gather for lunch, followed by a dunking contest, a sand volleyball tournament, and music provided by student disk jockey DJKoo.
"The students who participate in this event are extraordinary, and it is truly amazing what they can accomplish in a few short hours," said Daryl Grove, UIU director of student leadership and activities. "Service is a way of life at Upper Iowa, and I want to personally thank the university community for its continued support of making Fayette a better place to live." Grove added, "This is truly a win-win situation and ultimately everyone at the university and the surrounding community benefit in so many ways."
In addition to the work, food and entertainment, this year several vendors that work directly with Physical Plant personnel have donated money toward the cause. Craig Neulieb, owner of Control System Specialists from Alta, Iowa and Mike Schneck, sales representative from Van Meter Industrial, Waterloo, each donated $200 to buy commemorative bandanas for the students to wear that day.
"The staff at the Physical Plant has the opportunity of working with so many good people off campus as well, and the donations from Control Systems and Van Meter are evidence of that," said Larry Bond, UIU Director of Maintenance. "Neither gentleman from these two companies hesitated when asked if their companies would be willing to contribute to this worthy cause."
Volunteers can still sign up in the UIU Office of Student Development or by contacting Daryl Grove at 563-425-5311 or e-mail at groved@uiu.edu. For more information about Upper Iowa University, visit www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu
