The Broad College is home to nearly 50 registered student organizations, all committed to encouraging students to get involved and develop themselves both personally and professionally. Although every student organization is unique, many continue to find ways to make an impact on the MSU community and beyond, through volunteering and giving back.
“At Broad, we focus on MSU’s core values of quality, inclusiveness and connectivity,” Cheri Speier-Pero, associate dean of undergraduate programs, said. “Volunteering as a group, whether it is a student organization or a departmental or college initiative, builds deeper connections and creates inclusiveness within the group. As importantly, it creates those same types of connections with the charitable organization and the people it supports.”
Broad Student Senate ventured to Traverse City to work with Habitat for Humanity.
Broad Student Senate, a student organization serving as a liaison between Broad’s faculty and its students, took initiative to offer their time and assistance in the community before the new year. During the fall semester, the organization took on multiple volunteer opportunities, including venturing to Traverse City to work with Habitat for Humanity.
“Senate was involved with Habitat for Humanity in volunteering to build a community play area for many of the Habitat for Humanity residents,” Syed Akbar Zaidi, Broad Student Senate president, said. “We did this through construction of bridges, building the foundational walls for the houses supporting the play area, as well as cleaning up the area itself to better promote a safe and fun environment for many of the kids.”
In addition, the group offered multiple opportunities for Spartans to donate during the holiday season, like hosting the Broad Clothing Drive, encouraging Broad students to come together to provide for those in need.
“Donation boxes were set out from Nov. 15–23, and they were located in high-traffic areas throughout the Business College Complex and the Minskoff Pavilion. All collections were donated to the Lansing Goodwill,” Kaylin Goddard, Broad Student Senate events committee director, said.
“Although the holidays have passed and these events recently concluded, on behalf of the Broad Student Senate, we ask that all Broad Spartans continue to look out for future Broad-wide events to get involved in the new semester,” Lauren Klump, Broad Student Senate marketing committee director, said.
Brendan Wang, MSU SCMA’s director of external relations, with the wish list gifts the organization gathered for a family in need.
Michigan State’s Supply Chain Management Association, another registered Broad student organization focused on providing opportunities and experiences for those interested in supply chain management, has also been taking strides to help the community and engaged with students throughout the pandemic.
“In 2020, we pioneered a start-up consulting program that allowed students to engage in solving a real-world problem that an MSU-affiliated start-up faced,” Courtney Palkowski, president of MSU SCMA, said. “Students were able to team up, learn supply chain principles and deliver a proposal with solutions to alleviate uncertainties that local entrepreneurs faced.”
Additionally, the organization and its members have participated in Adopt a Family, a program committed to connecting those who can help with those who are in need of help, among other events to support the communities near MSU’s campus.
“We also volunteered for events like the Ronald McDonald House Food Drive, where we provided a full meal to feed five families, helped package foods for the Greater Lansing Food Bank and raised funds to support a mother and her three children with a few needs and wish list gifts,” Palkowski said. “Along with our flagship Valentine’s Day Dance, which was held virtually last year, full of fun activities for young people with special needs in the community.”
Another organization involved in the community is Broad’s Women in Business Students Association.
“The goal of Women in Business is to empower students and give them unique opportunities to develop themselves personally and professionally,” Tessi Lila, WBSA community service chair, said. “We are consistently bringing in companies to speak with our organization members about endeavors within the company and ways to improve themselves, such as interview tips, help with public speaking, advice on mental health and so much more.
WBSA members raised funds and participated in the annual American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk in Lansing.
“We have participated in and organized a wide variety of volunteer events helping individuals locally and outside of Michigan,” Lila continued. “One of our first events this past year was a blanket-making event, and with the help of Plante Moran’s generous donation, we were able to make 13 no-sew blankets and donate them to the Ronald McDonald House.”
In addition, WBSA participated in the annual American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk in Lansing on Oct. 9 alongside fellow Multicultural Business Program organizations, including Multicultural Business Students, National Association of Black Accountants and Native American and Hispanic Business Students.
“The community service chairs of each organization organized member sign-ups, carpooling and promotion for the event. With the support of KPMG and some generous organization members, we were able to donate a little over $1,000 to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness and research,” Lila said.
The organization has an ongoing initiative known as the Empowerment Closet, located in the Business College Complex, created as a way for students to access professional clothing for networking events, presentations and interviews. Although the closet is still in the process of being set up, WBSA is currently accepting donations of professional attire in good condition. To donate, email Tessi Lila.
These are only a few examples of ways that students from the Broad College continue to give back where they can and make a difference. Whether it be developing a new initiative, hosting an event or volunteering in the community, all have made a positive and inclusive impact that extends beyond the Broad College.
