By Michael Farrar, Lions’ Pride Staff Writer
On a weekend typically reserved by Saint Leo students as Gasparilla weekend, brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity traveled farther than Tampa into an entirely different place.
Immokalee, Florida is a town almost exclusively comprised of migrant farmers and workers. The brothers, in efforts to better understand their community, traveled with Dr. Randall Woodard, Professor of Theology, to Immokalee, where they spent the day helping in any way they could from scrubbing walls and moving furniture to reprogram computers and raking gardens.
The group spent the afternoon at the Carl J. Kuehner Community Center, part of Immokalee Housing and Family Services. The center serves as an after-school programming location for children, hosting classes until 6 p.m. in an effort to ensure no child is sent home to an empty house. During the day, however, the center is filled with classes of adult learners, acclimating themselves to everything from English to Social Studies.
“The best thing about the weekend was being able to help out the community,” said Anthony Rivera, president of the Class of 2013.
“Not only did I enjoy the company of my brothers, but I was able to give back.” Rivera’s sentiments were echoed throughout the group.
But it wasn’t all work for the brothers – halfway through their chores, a group of children came to do their part and kept the group entertained and motivated.
“Those smiles on the children’s faces were priceless,” said Nicholas Iafrate. “After seeing those smiles, I’m happy that I chose to come here and help out.”
After spending the day volunteering, the group traveled to nearby Ave Maria University where they enjoyed a private lecture delivered by Daniel Dentino, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Dentino spoke to the group about leadership in the community.
“I thought Dan’s speech was a great way to wrap up the day,” said Collin Good. “His message about holding ourselves accountable for our future, as well as our community’s future, was a great way to reinforce what we had learned today.”
The brothers plan to return to Immokalee in the coming year.
