Lydia Maendel
  • Sustainability Science; Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Class of 2018
  • Alliance, OH

Lydia Maendel spent Thanksgiving break serving others in Detroit

2015 Dec 16

Lydia Maendel of Alliance was one of 11 Baldwin Wallace University students who traveled to Detroit for an Alternative Thanksgiving Break. BW is part of the National Detroit Compact and is committed to sending an Alternative Break trip to Detroit every year for five years. The compact focuses on sustainable revitalization through innovative, community-based approaches.

Maendel, a graduate of West Branch High School majoring in sustainability with a focus on science and innovation & entrepreneurship, helped prepare a Thanksgiving meal for a local community through CASS Community Social Services and explored CASS's Environmental Sustainability initiatives and Green Industries by making mud mats from abandoned car tires. In addition to service projects, the students enjoyed some of Detroit's cultural assets including the Eastern Market, the Motown Museum and the Heidelberg Project. The trip was led by BW student Sara Schaffer with support from faculty advisor Robin Gagnow.

The Alternative Break experience at BW provides students with opportunities to make a difference, travel to other cities, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Alternative Break is one of many community service programs organized by the University's Office of Community Outreach to support BW's mission of creating contributing, compassionate citizens.