Margaret Ekblom

Senior Writer

This semester each of the Management (MGMT) 101 Companies made an impact on the Lewisburg community by collecting proceeds from the University-themed products they sold as part of the class. The course allows each individual MGMT class of 25-30 students to make a difference in the community.

Company A, A’s Tees to Block UVs, raised profits for the Lewisburg community pool. The class purchased six new umbrellas with in-ground stakes for the pool, which has been in need of a shaded area for nine years. They donated a custom-made sun safety sign, sunscreen, and the remainder of their profits to the pool. The group also visited the Meadow View apartments and spoke with young children about the importance of sunscreen and sun safety. At the end of their service project, A’s Tees to Block UVs had a gathering at the Lewisburg community pool to form a relationship between the Lewisburg community and the University. In order for this all to be possible, Company A sold long-sleeve, white pocket t-shirts imprinted with the Ellen Clarke Bertrand Library in an American flag pattern on the back, and a navy bison on the pocket.

“Even though the semester was incredibly stressful at times, and there were some nights when sleep just was not an option, the family that we formed as members of A’s Tees to Block UVs is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Somewhere in between the 300-page Operating Plans documents and long nights of reevaluating service projects, I transformed from being a ‘just a student’ to a leader–a person who was accountable for real money, real stakeholders, and real emotions of other company members,” Sarah Cattano ’18 said.
Company B, “B’s Gear for Children’s Cheer” cultivated the heart of service by creating an interactive art and play trail at the local Wild Goose Farm and also put on an event to announce it to the community. The company cleared the trail, constructed a willow hut, and painted and installed birdhouses, directional signs, and tree swings. Around 83 families from the Lewisburg community attended the event. B’s Gear for Children’s Cheer focused its business project on American Apparel pocket tank tops with a bison logo on the pocket.

“The main reason we chose this supplier and the American Apparel brand was because these company’s missions aligned with our service project and company mission: a focus on sustainability. Along with the tank, we gave away laptop stickers with the same design as a promotional item,” Daniella Kotowitz ’18 said.

Company C, “Celebrating Education Through Hydration,” worked closely with Essex Place, a community center located in Lewisburg, to paint a mural and build a large bookshelf. They also held a movie night with children who are frequently at Essex Place and taught them the importance of recycling at their craft fair. They chose to sell a reusable, BPA-free water bottle as their product to fund these events. The water bottle could be unscrewed from both the top and in the center, and came in both blue and orange colors. Both the service and business projects of Company C were highly sustainable because of their focus on water and recycling.

“MGMT 101 is unlike any course Bucknell offers. You get the opportunity to work closely with your classmates and the local community, and potentially make a long-lasting impact. Service was the heart of our company, and our time spent at Essex Place is something I am positive none of my fellow company members will forget,” Zoe Meras ’17 said.

“I loved being a part of MGMT 101 this semester. Even though this course requires hundreds of hours of work, I loved every minute, and I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish. I learned many things that I know I will use further in my time at Bucknell, as well as after I graduate,” Emily Gagis ’18 said.

Lastly, Company D, “D’s Signs for Community Vines,” was able to build a new fence for the Lewisburg Community Garden. In order to fund the fence, the group sold replica street signs that iconic Lewisburg street names imprinted on them, such as Market Street and 7^th Street. Construction of the fence began on March 21 when the company took down the existing fence. Company D spent its time from March 26 to 29 to finish the construction. The class also integrated the community by having a“Community Build Day” on March 28, encouraging community members to get their hands dirty and aid in the construction. The week post-construction, D’s Signs for Community Vines held a Nutrition Awareness campaign for university students, giving out nutritional pamphlets and encouraging them to sign the pledge to healthy eating.

“As the VP of Service, I, as well as our company, worked closely with Kevin Zuidervliet, Bucknell’s Food Access Coordinator and Lewisburg Community Garden Coordinator, to build a 706-foot fence out of pressure-treated wood and rabbit fencing. We also worked closely with John Testa and his crew in facilities, who donated their time and equipment to dig about 100 four-foot holes in order to make this fence a permanent and sustainable structure,” Hannah Menendez ’17 said.