University News

WICMA President Kathleen Perkins and Horn Environmental Learning Project President Kyle Salz pose by the bridge that was constructed at Horn Field Campus because of the cooperation of two student organizations.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Student Cooperative Effort Brings New Bridge to WIU's Horn Field Campus

April 13, 2017

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – A student-led effort, which benefits two Western Illinois University organizations, has resulted in construction of a new foot bridge at WIU's Horn Field Campus (HFC).

The partnership began in January when senior WIU Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) major Kyle Salz from Rutland, IL, met Western Illinois Construction Management (WICMA) President Kathleen Perkins, a junior construction management major from Carol Stream, IL, at the WIU Student Activities Fair.

When Salz, who serves as the Horn Environmental Learning Project president, talked with Perkins about the goals and mission of each group, he told Perkins HFC needed a new trail bridge constructed.

"WICMA's goal is to teach construction skills to people who don't necessarily have much building experience, but would like to learn more," said Perkins.

HFC purchased the building materials for the project and the WICMA students, mostly construction management and engineering technology students, built the bridge over two days.

"The students looked at the project and drew up a plan," said Salz. "Without WICMA, we would have had to do the labor ourselves and it would have taken us weeks. With WICMA involved, it took just two days."

As a thank you, HFC offered WICMA students an opportunity to try the HFC high ropes course, which is used for team building.

Other area projects WICMA has worked with include removing insulation at the Western Illinois Museum, working on the Genesis House and doing volunteer cleanup work around Macomb.

For more information about HFC, visit wiu.edu/hfc. For more information about WICMA, visit wiu.edu/cbt/engineering_technology/student-organizations.php.

Posted By: Jodi Pospeschil (JK-Pospeschil@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing