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With 1,500 active teams and 42,000 active students, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE)
is gaining ground from Albania to Zimbabwe. An international institution with operations
in forty countries as of 2009, students and faculty members in SIFE focus on the betterment
of their community through nonprofit business practices that create jobs, inspire
workers, and invigorate dying economies.
Here in Grand Rapids, Aquinas students have been working for the past nine years with a vision of a more sustainable and productive community. With the development of student projects and the three guiding philosophies – community service, teaching, and leadership – SIFE seeks to involve members in hands-on development that teaches them “to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders” (sife.org).
Each year, SIFE chapters participate in regional competitions that showcase the vital projects completed by students during the previous year. Within a 24 minute presentation, the group members discuss the programs and activities that have aided members of the community in some profound way. The top three winners of this initial competition advance to the national level.
In the past four years, the Aquinas chapter of SIFE has advanced to the national competition on three separate occasions. Dr. Masato Yamazaki, advisor for the group and professor of economics at Aquinas, continues to fuel the spirit of sustainability and volunteerism and says, “AQ SIFE together with SIFE USA and SIFE International network can truly change the world by improving quality of life and standard of living.”
Recently, SIFE launched the Golden Shoe Campaign, a program designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through the use of the scenic nature trails on the Aquinas campus. The kickoff event was held on October 30 at the entrance to the Campus Trails near the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center and included a walking tour and a raffle for a new pair of shoes. This new program, following the initial event, will include additional activities which promote healthy eating, light exercise, and the involvement of the community in the enjoyment of nature without leaving Grand Rapids.
SIFE student members have also devoted their time and energy to the Steepletown project. This endeavor aids the Steepletown organization, made up of St. James, St. Mary’s, and the Basilica of St. Adalbert churches on the west side of Grand Rapids. The project works toward the betterment of the community through unity and volunteerism. One of the existing ventures of Steepletown is the Garage Store, an organization similar to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, which collects donated items and utilizes the profit to aid the community. SIFE members seek to support this organization by boosting sales with productive marketing and teaching positive business tools to those involved in the store.
In November 2010, SIFE student members held an Energy Conference on campus. The day-long event was designed to educate students, professors, and the surrounding community about energy efficiency in the home. Hopeful that the conference will become an annual event, energy monitor and senior Sean Fahey worked diligently to prepare and lead his own workshop entitled, “Green Jobs.” Among other workshops which focus on specific subjects regarding energy efficiency, the conference included keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Vern Ehlers and lectures by local businessmen on a variety of topics designed to better the community.
SIFE, with its ongoing projects and commitment to the Grand Rapids community, is making a difference. Though the group works specifically toward the development of business strategies including marketing and planning, SIFE is open to any student on campus. Fahey remarks that the organization is constantly looking for passionate students and “anybody who has an interest in improving our community.”
In fact, many current projects, such as tutors for English as a second language, require no business experience. Students who wish to make a difference are encouraged to learn more and to aid SIFE in its mission to create more sustainable and productive communities.
Here in Grand Rapids, Aquinas students have been working for the past nine years with a vision of a more sustainable and productive community. With the development of student projects and the three guiding philosophies – community service, teaching, and leadership – SIFE seeks to involve members in hands-on development that teaches them “to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders” (sife.org).
Each year, SIFE chapters participate in regional competitions that showcase the vital projects completed by students during the previous year. Within a 24 minute presentation, the group members discuss the programs and activities that have aided members of the community in some profound way. The top three winners of this initial competition advance to the national level.
In the past four years, the Aquinas chapter of SIFE has advanced to the national competition on three separate occasions. Dr. Masato Yamazaki, advisor for the group and professor of economics at Aquinas, continues to fuel the spirit of sustainability and volunteerism and says, “AQ SIFE together with SIFE USA and SIFE International network can truly change the world by improving quality of life and standard of living.”
Recently, SIFE launched the Golden Shoe Campaign, a program designed to promote a healthy lifestyle through the use of the scenic nature trails on the Aquinas campus. The kickoff event was held on October 30 at the entrance to the Campus Trails near the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center and included a walking tour and a raffle for a new pair of shoes. This new program, following the initial event, will include additional activities which promote healthy eating, light exercise, and the involvement of the community in the enjoyment of nature without leaving Grand Rapids.
SIFE student members have also devoted their time and energy to the Steepletown project. This endeavor aids the Steepletown organization, made up of St. James, St. Mary’s, and the Basilica of St. Adalbert churches on the west side of Grand Rapids. The project works toward the betterment of the community through unity and volunteerism. One of the existing ventures of Steepletown is the Garage Store, an organization similar to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, which collects donated items and utilizes the profit to aid the community. SIFE members seek to support this organization by boosting sales with productive marketing and teaching positive business tools to those involved in the store.
In November 2010, SIFE student members held an Energy Conference on campus. The day-long event was designed to educate students, professors, and the surrounding community about energy efficiency in the home. Hopeful that the conference will become an annual event, energy monitor and senior Sean Fahey worked diligently to prepare and lead his own workshop entitled, “Green Jobs.” Among other workshops which focus on specific subjects regarding energy efficiency, the conference included keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Vern Ehlers and lectures by local businessmen on a variety of topics designed to better the community.
SIFE, with its ongoing projects and commitment to the Grand Rapids community, is making a difference. Though the group works specifically toward the development of business strategies including marketing and planning, SIFE is open to any student on campus. Fahey remarks that the organization is constantly looking for passionate students and “anybody who has an interest in improving our community.”
In fact, many current projects, such as tutors for English as a second language, require no business experience. Students who wish to make a difference are encouraged to learn more and to aid SIFE in its mission to create more sustainable and productive communities.