Temple University—Service Learning Initiative
On Wednesday, August 12, the Fox School of Business's Full-Time MBA Programs launched a very successful service learning initiative which had a tremendous impact on the North Philadelphia community. This community outreach was highlighted on NBC, CBS, and Fox News stations that same evening.
The Fox School of Business partnered with City Year to revitalize one of the first Athletic Recreation Center built in Philadelphia which is located at 1400 North 26th Street—right in Temple University’s backyard. Faculty, administrators, staff, incoming students, and alumni spent all day painting, creating murals for the playground, picking up trash, and interacting with children in the community.
The day concluded with MBA students interacting with the following community leaders, discussing sustainability initiatives corporations are moving toward, making a difference in the community, social entrepreneurship, job placement, and philanthropy.
The following individuals took part in the panel:
- Sarah Martinez-Helfman, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership
- Amy Tessier, Program Manager Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership
- Patrick Walsh, VP of Marketing for The Villa
- John Fontana, David’s Bridal Executive Coach & President of Fontana Leadership Development, Inc.
- John Campolongo, SEI Product Manager and Temple University Alumnus
- Joe Staszak-Rodriguez, Senior Outreach Manager City Year Philadelphia
- Michael Mecchella, Director of Facilities City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation
- John D. Armstrong, Jr. Director of Corporate Partnerships City Year Greater Philadelphia
The goal of the program is to provide MBAs the opportunity to interact with the community and become responsible civic and social leaders for business and the global society through experiential learning.