Students to share knowledge and build relationships on Native American Reservation
Kelley Hardie, director of housing, and Frank Pazzynski, associate professor of education, will lead 11 students to serve a Native American Reservation from Saturday, May 8 until Saturday, May 15. The group will serve in the Navajo Nation by tutoring students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at Tuba City Boarding School.
According to Hardie, the students will experience the Native American culture.
“This trip is a wonderful way to attempt to dissolve conflicts and stereotypes that exist between Americans and Native American tribes,” Hardie said. “By working together, we learn from each other and understand cultural differences.”
The students will be assigned to a class where they will tutor in all subjects. Classes are extremely overcrowded, and many of the children require tutoring to stay on track. Tutors will have the opportunity to share knowledge and build skills in young people.
“I hope to gain a greater understanding of the Native American culture as well as poverty within the United States, as I want to work with children in poverty upon graduation,” said Christina Wilson, a junior sociology major. “I also hope to gain a better understanding of God’s calling for me and His love for His people as He works through us to serve and glorify Him.”
Additionally, Wilson looks forward to learning more about her culture.
“I am a small part Native American from my father’s side, and it’s the one culture I know the least about,” Wilson said. “Being a sociology major, it is always fascinating to submerge in another culture and explore outside your comfort zone.”
Students participating in the mission trip include:
• Sarah Cutwright, a sophomore international studies (international business) major from Carmichaels (Carmichaels Area Junior-Senior High School)
• Andy Johnson, a freshman history/secondary education major from Highspire (Steelton-Highspire Junior-Senior High School)
• Kristen Lautenschlager, a junior marine biology major from Pittsburgh (Carlynton Junior-Senior High School)
• Matt McNeil, a freshman chemistry major from Pasadena, Calif. (Maranatha High School)
• Peter Olson, a freshman biblical ministry studies (religion and philosophy) major from Ojai, Calif. (Villanova Preparatory School)
• Kaitlin Radigan, a freshman middle level education major from Silverton, Ore. (Silverton High School)
• Greg Reinhart, a freshman communication (electronic media) major from North Royalton, Ohio (North Royalton High School)
• Kaitlin Unrue, a freshman undeclared major from Uhrichsville, Ohio (Claymont High School)
• Christina Wilson, a junior sociology major from Arnold (Valley High School)
• Colin Wilson, a freshman middle level education major from Lower Burrell (Burrell High School)
• L’lee Zimmerman, a junior athletic training major from Lisbon, Ohio (Beaver Local High School)
Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three adult centers located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is one of only 27 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
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Released May 4, 2010
Contact: Pam Cunningham, Assistant Director of University Relations
724.852.3384 or pcunning@waynesburg.edu