Engaged in the Classroom and in the Community
Consumers are choosing products, experiences and communities based on the green movement. Recently the Providence Campus’ National Student Organization (NSO) collaborated with Benders Caffe for a sustainable business workshop. Benders is the National Green Restaurant Association’s first Certified Green Restaurant in Rhode Island, and owner Chris Mathis hosted a coffee cupping and pastry tasting while educating attendees. Discussions covered the green industry and sustainable business models that focus on recycling, reusing and organics. Social responsibility, zero waste and old-fashioned customer service were emphasized.

“For more than 30 years, JWU’s NSO members have participated at the college level,” says vice president of enrollment management, Kenneth DiSaia ’87, ’92 M.B.A. “Across all four campuses, students are involved in leadership, local and national competitions and community action. Each complements JWU’s career-focused education model.”

NSO projects have included Global Outreach Morocco, touted by USA Today. Business and technology students, along with two instructors, partnered with the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism to promote culture, travel and business opportunities. Students crafted their 3,000 photographs taken across Morocco into a Second Life Web-based virtual environment where online visitors are able to tour, do business and interact while learning about Morocco. Elsewhere, through Alternative Spring Break, students traveled to Tijuana, Mexico. They paved school sidewalks, discussed border issues with migrant families and met with an environmental collaborative. With no stipulated hours, time commitments to NSO vary by student. They shape projects and select tracks, and while many got involved in high school, previously unaffiliated upperclassmen have also joined enthusiastically. “Advisors support and guide,” explains Tom Gauthier, director of educator partnerships and scholarship programs. “Through NSO, students take their academic knowledge and make it real.”

“I enjoyed the evening at Benders,” says student Tiffany George. “Being green saves the environment and long-term can save money for a business. Patrons seeking green businesses don’t mind paying a few more cents for a product they can feel good about.” Not surprisingly, NSO students are among the most engaged and active members on campus. “They have strong ties to their peers, faculty and administrators as well as industry and the community,” says Ismare Monreal, dean of students at the North Miami Campus. “They develop a real competitive awareness that motivates them to excel at JWU and in their careers. We see it with our alumni who point to their own involvement.” Online > www.jwu.edu/nso and nso@admissions.jwu.edu