Building Dreams: ISU Veterinary Students Team Up With Habitat for Humanity in Ames

Veterinary students took part in a Habitat for Humanity service project, refurbishing a home in southeast Ames, Iowa. The students who participated in the project are members of the Iowa State University’s Omega Tau Sigma, a professional veterinary fraternity. Second-year veterinary student Emily Frandson, service chair of OTS, heard about the project and looked to OTS members for volunteers.

When they arrived at the Ames house, the student team painted, repaired dry wall, added siding, and removed trash from the yard. The community project was one of many service activities that the OTS does throughout the year.

“It was a great opportunity to do some manual labor and create bonds with my classmates,” said Kim Unger, second-year veterinary student at ISU.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build and refurbish homes for those in need. To date, approximately, 350,000 homes have been built around the world.

"Knowing we were able to make a difference in our community meant a great deal," said Sarah Wiechert, first-year veterinary student at ISU. "The experience was very rewarding."

The project team included second-year veterinary students Byron Bowers, Greg Hunter, Lindsay Leka, Sarah Peton, and Kim Unger; and first-year veterinary student Sarah Wiechert.