Kevin Varghese of Philadelphia Presents at Widener University's Student Project Day on Honduras Service and Study Trip

2014 Apr 29

Kevin Varghese, a Widener University Junior Biology major of Philadelphia, Pa., presented at the university's annual Student Project Day on April 25 about spending spring break in Honduras. Varghese was one of 10 Widener students who had participated in a study and service trip to Zamorano University in Tegucigalpa, Honduras led by Widener University faculty members Patricia Dyer and Ruth Grant from humanities and Dr. Bruce Grant from science.

The Widener students and their professors volunteered at an orphanage near the university as well as at the Allison Bixby Stone School on the Zamorano University campus. This is the fourth year that Widener students and faculty have visited the orphanage. This year's group delivered more than 150 matchbox cars donated by Widener students, 25 gently used books, 160 donated toothbrushes, and two suitcases filled with art supplies and clothing collected over the past year.

Also while in Honduras, the Widener students joined college English classes at Zamorano to continue an ongoing project that involves collecting and translating proverbs. Zamorano students, who will graduate with degrees in agriculture, represent more than 20 countries, most in Central and South America. In the evenings, Widener students attended classes with their professors focused on culture and its representation in proverbs.

Currently, Widener students and Zamorano students are in contact with each other on the Internet, sharing photos and practicing English and Spanish.

Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., serve more than 6,300 students. Widener is proud to be a tobacco-free campus. Visit the university's website, www.widener.edu.