Business Students Combine Service and Skills at Special Olympics Pennsylvania Eastern Fall Sectional
The Special Olympics has always been near and dear to Dr. Sue McGorry’s heart. Having a daughter with special needs, McGorry knows just how much value the organization brings to countless families across the country and around the world.
When she first heard about DeSales hosting the Eastern Fall Sectional, she didn’t hesitate to find out how both she and her students could help. The Division of Business’ capstone course, which provides students with a service learning experience, turned out to be the perfect fit.
“The service learning experience gives them real world business experience but it’s also supposed to provide them with an opportunity to understand their role in the community and a sense of civic engagement,” McGorry says.
This semester, seniors in the capstone course worked to develop a questionnaire for spectators, parents, coaches, and athletes. They even went to weekly Special Olympics meetings on campus to gain more insight into their ultimate goal—helping to create a better experience at next year’s games.
“It is very interesting to incorporate some of the things that we’ve been learning the past four years in my business courses with the Special Olympics, which is such an awesome organization. It’s a very uplifting experience.”
The business students set up a booth in Billera Hall to collect their data. They will then use that data to compile a report on each group and report back to both DeSales and the Special Olympics.
“It’s just a win-win situation for our students and for Special Olympics,” says McGorry. “We are supporting and encouraging the development of folks with special needs and developing awareness in our community as well.”
