MBA program gives back to the community

MBA program gives back to the community Students assist in rehabilitating UA Arboretum Deirdra Drinkard
Contributing Writer The UA Manderson Graduate School of Business MBA program celebrated its annual MBA week with activities and events to bring current students, faculty members and alumni together. One event of the week was the revamping of the UA Arboretum on Thursday. The Arboretum, which is sponsored by the biology department, offers walking trails through a native woodland section, a wildflower garden, a collection of ornamental plants, an experimental garden and a children's garden. On Thursday, horticulturist Mary Jo Modica introduced and welcomed students to the arboretum. Afterward, students and guests were able to take a tour throughout the arboretum. "The arboretum is a hidden gem that all UA students and faculty and Tuscaloosa residents should explore," said Danny Smith, an MBA student. After the tour, volunteering students and guests began landscaping work at the arboretum. "The MBA program was able to assist the arboretum in the complete rehabilitation of an area slightly larger than an acre. This included the removal of invasive exotics such as privet and kudzu and the planting of 80 native Alabama hardwoods," said Jonathan Hunt, an MBA student. Student volunteers also assisted in preparing for the arboretum's annual plant sale on Sunday. MBA student Jill Hickman said about 70 people attended the event, including student and faculty volunteers, local artists and guests. Thursday evening, guests listened to a tutorial on outdoor photography by Skip Baumhower. Baumhower and Kenny Bird's artwork was on display. After working with the arboretum, volunteers took part in a barbeque celebration and a door prize ceremony. "We hope that this project that can begin a longstanding relationship between the MBA program and the arboretum," said Andrew Freeman, an MBA student. MBA students were put into teams and chose a community service project for one day in the week. The group the Rising Tide thought of helping the University's Arboretum. Smith, Hunt, Wehner, Hickman and Freeman were all members of the team the Rising Tide.