Olivia Estrada
  • Mass Communications
  • Chicago, Ill.

Olivia Estrada of Chicago traveled on University Ministry LUMINATE Spring Break trip

2015 Apr 2

Spring Break was filled with hard work for 32 Lewis University students, but they were rewarded with a new appreciation. They participated in five different service projects across the Midwest as part of the Lewis University Ministry Alternative Trip Experiences. LUMINATE provides students weekend or week-long, student-led service experiences during Fall Break, Spring Break and May. Chicago resident Olivia Estrada was a student on one of the trips.

Lewis University student Erin Richards led the group at St. Benedict the Moor in Milwaukee, Wis. The group served homeless, hungry, children and the environment through different service agencies in the area. "Everyone in the group grew as a person throughout the week, and left with a better understanding and appreciation for the things we have," Richards explained. Students on the trip included Olivia Estrada, Kelly Kevil, Katy Papineau and Evelyn Ramirez.

Students Nicole Rodighiero and Kaitlyn Sendzik led a group that spent the week with Lives Under Construction in Lampe, Mo. Students Katherine Chandler, Hailey Gurgul, Jessica Kaluzny and Rachel Seiberlich mentored troubled teenage males on a boys ranch while helping to tutor, complete chores and take care of animals.

Student Alex Stewart led the trip to Cookeville, Tenn., where the group of Audrey Collard, Marvin Gomez, Kelly Grady, Julio Lara, Julia Mach, Sara Mazan, Kimberly Nakutis, Jessica Rapp, Jessica Roach and Mary Wold helped rehab houses with Putnam County Habitat for Humanity.

Student Sean Cleary led the group that spent time working with adults with intellectual disabilities in Clinton, Iowa, at L'Arche. Students Ashley Bohr, Brett Foley, Nicole Reidy and Mackenzie Upchurch helped with spring-cleaning while spending time with members, working toward their goals.

Theresa Marten led a group to Maggie's Place in Cleveland, Ohio, where housing is provided for expectant mothers and new mothers. Students Rachel Aubart, Birttany Gorski, Gail Koziol and Caitlyn Rodighiero helped with projects around the home and talked with the women about the various issues they face.

More LUMINATE trips are scheduled for May. Contact Sabrina Poulin, coordinator of Ministry Service, at (815)836-5617 or poulinsa@lewisu.edu for more information.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,700 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.