Current Students Connect with Alumni During Alternative Spring Break Trip
Teresa Tursi Tefft '09, (third from the left) assisted with setting up the details for the Habitat for Humanity project in New Bern, North Carolina.
By: Damon Markiewicz
Springfield College alternative spring break trips continue to showcase our Humanics philosophy to individuals throughout the world. As part of this year’s trip to North Carolina, current students not only demonstrated leadership in service to others in assisting with a Habitat for Humanity community build, but they also had the opportunity to connect with alumni who have experienced similar opportunities when they were enjoying student life on Alden Street.
As Springfield College Director of Spiritual Life David McMahon was planning the travel agenda to make the 700-mile voyage to New Bern, N.C., there was a need for the group to break up the 11-hour van ride, and have a night of rest at around the halfway point. With the assistance of the Office of Alumni Relations and Director of Alumni Relations Deleney Magoffin ’05,G’11, an opportunity presented itself for McMahon and the students to stay with some proud alumni, individuals who would connect with the group because they experienced similar leadership opportunities when they attended the College.
“It worked out very well, the alumni office put out a request for a possible place to stay for a night during the trip, and Beth Gibney-Boulden '96, G’98, and Michael Boulden '96, G’98, quickly made their home available to us,” explained McMahon. “I knew both Beth and Michael from when I first began to work at Springfield, and they were involved in similar programs that our students on the trip are involved in, programs like the Leadership Training Conference (LTC), and alternative spring break trips. We are so appreciative that they opened up their home to us. We had a great dinner, and breakfast, before we hit the road the next day. It was a perfect way to start the trip.”
Following their stay with Beth and Michael in Virginia, the group arrived at its destination in North Carolina, where another alumna, Teresa Tursi Tefft '09, assisted with setting up the details for their participation in the Habitat for Humanity project. Tefft is currently the Health and Wellness Director at Twin Rivers YMCA, and her involvement with the Habitat for Humanity in Craven County allowed for McMahon to lead the students into some volunteer work in the New Bern community.
“With the help of Teresa, the organization of this trip was great, and it allowed for the students to really be able to get involved and fully enjoy the experience,” added McMahon. “The Habitat group in Craven County was looking for individuals to volunteer, and the project was exactly the type of work students want to experience on these alternative spring break trips. Being able to connect with Teresa worked out very well because the students were able to share stories of their Habitat for Humanity experiences, and Teresa was able to talk about her involvement with habitat when she was a student. These type of connections between current students and alumni are always special, and it’s what make Springfield College unique.”
During their stay, the group was very hands-on in assisting the Habitat team in framing, and putting up the walls of a home that will benefit a lucky family in the New Bern community. It's hard work that is very rewarding, and demonstrates what makes Springfield College special.
"Upon meeting the ASB students, I not only wanted to shout 'little red wagon' at the top of my lungs, but I also noticed that the students hadn't changed," explained Tefft. "Even though it has been 15 years since my time at Springfield, the students still have the same heart for serving others, the same interest in people, and the same big goals and dreams that so many students at Springfield had and still have. You may think this is typical of any college student, but I can feel it in my soul that the ones who choose Springfield and really immerse themselves in the whole experience are very different. A huge part of this are the professors, faculty, and alumni, that have served the college for so many years. People like David McMahon, who during my time at Springfield, and still to this day, is taking the time, mentoring and really investing into the student life and programs that they can be a part of. I'll be in touch with Springfield and other parties involved over this year and I can't wait to see how we can grow the ASB Habitat for Humanity trip to little New Bern, North Carolina."
And after four days of working hard and building in the hot Carolina sun, Tefft invited the students and McMahon to the Twin Rivers YMCA for some relaxation time, especially cooling off in the swimming pool.
“Demonstrating the Humanics philosophy is always the common bond between current students and alumni, and that was evident on this trip,” concluded McMahon. “It was a great experience for all, and this trip once again showed the impact Springfield College has on so many communities.”
