Central Methodist University (Mo.) student-athletes complete community service projects

Posted 12.03.07
Sumbitted by: Troy Katen, Director of Sports Information, Central Methodist University

FAYETTE, Mo. – Thanks to Central Methodist University student-athletes a number of Howard County needy families and children in foster care were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with turkey and traditional holiday foods on the dining table.

CMU athletes have been busy this fall assisting with community service projects in Howard and Cooper Counties. During November, student-athletes, under the guidance of Athletic Director Kenneth Oliver and Physical Education Professor Mozaffar “coach Moz” Rahmatpanah, raised funds to purchase food to be distributed during Thanksgiving and also visited Fayette’s elementary school to read to school children to promote literacy.

During the visit with first and second grade students at L.J. Daly Elementary School, the student-athletes talked to the youngsters about the importance of good character and told them about the various sports they play at CMU. The student-athletes asked the teacher to pick books, which they then read portions of to the children.

“They (CMU student-athletes) did such a good job with the children, they are already asking for us to come back,” Rahmatpanah said.

During their fund-raising efforts, the CMU student-athletes brought in sufficient donations from the campus community to purchase canned goods and other foods to fill 14 boxes, which also included 14 large turkeys donated by CMU’s dining service company, Fresh Ideas Management. Three of the boxes were delivered to Coyote Hill, a foster home for disadvantaged and needy children, and the remaining 11 boxes were given to need families.

Rahmatpanah serves as a faculty advisor to CMU’s Champions of Character Council in his role as Champions of Character Coach. The community service efforts are undertaken by CMU student-athletes as part of the character building activities that go hand-in-hand with the university’s participation in the Champions of Character program of the NAIA.

CMU established its Champions of Character Council earlier this year. It is comprised of 14 student-athletes (one for each varsity sport), Champions of Character coach, athletic department faculty representative, assistant athletic director and the athletic director.

“Community service is a cornerstone of our Champions of Character program,” said Olive, who also serves as the CMU vice president for campus life. “The role of the student-athlete Champions of Character Council is to enhance the total student-athlete experience at Central Methodist, which includes fostering a sense of community service.”