Ottawa University-Wisconsin celebrated Non-Traditional Student Week, November 3-7, 2008, by sending out 19 care packages to family and friends of the OU community serving overseas in the military. Over the last two months, students, faculty and staff of the University have donated more than 1,000 items for the packages, and donations from the larger community were also accepted. One student even baked and sold more than 30 dozen cookies to raise money for mailing costs.

One of the drive's student organizers, Mary DeGroot of Muskego, says she was motivated to help with the project because her family has a tradition of military service. Her father is a Korean War veteran, and her son, Brian DeGroot, a 2008 graduate of Muskego High School, is currently undergoing training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. "I am appreciative of those who are willing to serve and show such love for country," said DeGroot. "As an adult student, it's hard to juggle school and family and work. It's really gratifying to see the overwhelming support that students at Ottawa University have shown for this project, when I know their time is precious."

OU-Wisconsin student Bryan Edmonds, a veteran himself, also helped organize the drive. "I am pleased and surprised to see the response to the drive," said Edmonds. "This is a great project to bring people together and keep the soldiers in our thoughts and prayers."

On the afternoon of Wednesday, November 5, volunteers sorted and packed the items in special boxes for mailing, and added notes containing personal greetings for the recipients.

(Photo) Front: Sarah Riggsbee. Back row (l-r): Mary DeGroot, Mary Lovas, Dr. Ann Williams (faculty), Janet Donovan, Elaine George (faculty). Not pictured: Trisha Frederick (staff).