For the Star Journal

Nicolet College Business Management Service Learning students raised more than $5,000 for charities by taking what they’ve learned in the classroom and applying these skills to fundraising projects to benefit others.
They recently raised $3,150 for the Flint, Mich., water crisis, with the funds going to the Red Cross and its efforts to provide clean drinking water to the residents of Flint. Students collected donations through fund drives at Walmart in Rhinelander and Nelson’s County Market in Tomahawk to make the Red Cross donation.

The students also held a second fundraising event by sponsoring the Arts and Crafts Fair at the recent Tomahawk Home Show. This effort raised $2,080, which was donated to Humane Societies in Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas counties and the AMVETS organization in Rhinelander.

“This class really pulled it all together,” said Business Management student Brian Vida, who will graduate in May. “Everything we’ve learned in the past three or four semesters, we put it to use, and did so in a way that benefited others.”

Instructor Ellen Mathein said she was impressed with how students generated ideas, identified specific tasks that need to be completed, and followed through to make sure numerous details were handled to complete each project.

“It really came down to students working together as an effective team to make sure each project was a success,” Mathein said. “Along with learning specific skills such as planning, critical thinking, and communication, the students also developed a strong sense of citizenship. They knew what they were doing was going to help others.”