In Romania, there's no place like home
 group of 13 students from UW-Madison, Creighton
College, and Illinois State University spent two weeks in Comanesti,
Romania—not on vacation, but working via the UW-Madison Habitat
for Humanity (HFH) Chapter. CEE alum Nathan Haugen (BS ’05) led
the trip, which included CEE students and alumni Brandon Braithwaite,
Gerritt Bangma, Hillary Holstein and Stefany Smith.
The group began planning its trip in September 2004
by selecting team participants, trip location, fund-raising events and
promotional events. Members originally intended to travel to Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan, but the area’s unstable political situation made travel
unadvisable and the group instead chose its Romanian destination.
With help from the department, Professor Jeff
Russell, the Construction Club, many industry alumni and friends,
and the UW-Madison Return Peace Corps Volunteer Organization, the group
was able to raise more than $16,000 to help pay for the trip and purchase
13 sets of tools to use in Romania and ultimately, donate to the Romanian
HFH affiliate. Once in the country, the group also purchased two power
circular saws, one power drill, one power jigsaw and one power grinder.
Not only was the trip a great cultural experience
for the students, but it gave them the opportunity to work on four separate
houses while they were in Romania.
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