UA Engineering Helps with Habitat for Humanity Homecoming Shed Build

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama students will build a storage shed that will be delivered to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter for use in their building program.

The shed will be built on campus in front of Hardaway Hall during Homecoming week and exhibited as a float during the Homecoming parade. It will then be donated to Habitat for Humanity for use in their building fund.

UA student volunteers will construct the shed from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Dr. Steve Kavanaugh, professor of mechanical engineering, is coordinating the project.

During the spring, UA senior mechanical engineering students created shingle lifting devices for Habitat for Humanity. The devices were designed to save labor by lifting shingle bundles and other materials to the roofs of houses in the process of being built. The project reduced work-related injuries and allowed more volunteers to donate their time without worrying about physical capabilities.

The University of Alabama celebrates with “175 Years of Crimson Glory…Welcome Home” as the theme for Homecoming. Events begin Sunday, Oct. 22, with the 17th annual Roll Tide Run and continue throughout the week, concluding with the UA football game against Florida International University.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. The organization strives to eliminate poverty and homelessness through the construction of suitable shelter. The Tuscaloosa affiliate of Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing with the help of individuals willing to work with the construction process.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became the first university in the state to offer engineering classes and was one of the first five in the nation to do so. Today, the College of Engineering has about 1,900 students and more than 95 faculty. It has been fully accredited since accreditation standards were implemented in the 1930s.