Second annual Green & Global trip takes CSU Student-athletes to Jamaica

An inspiring tradition is taking hold at Colorado State University. This week a group of student-athletes will travel to Petersfield, Jamaica to take part in the second annual Green and Global service and learning experience, led by CSU's Senior Associate Athletics Director for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Albert Bimper, Jr.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to travel back to Petersfield, Jamaica for a second time," Dr. Bimper said. "The Green & Global education abroad experience offers our students the chance to not only explore cultures, lifestyles, histories and community organizing abroad, but they are also given the opportunities to connect and think as global citizens. We are abundantly thankful to the community of Petersfield and the many families that will welcome us back into their homes with a new group of students this summer."

Last year's journey to Petersfield saw 13 Rams make history through this first-of-its-kind trip, designed to help CSU students who participate in athletics stretch their boundaries, immerse themselves in a different culture and be of service to those they may otherwise not have the opportunity to meet in their lifetime.

The student-athletes who take part in the second edition of this groundbreaking experience depart for Petersfield today and return on May 27. Students are hosted by local families, with 2-4 students per home.

The 12 CSU student-athletes are: Andrea Basile (Swimming & Diving), Annie Brady (Women's Basketball), Marlee Brown (Track & Field), Halley Havlicek (Soccer), Jessica Jackson (Volleyball), Veronica Morin (Swimming & Diving), Ally Murphy-Pauletto (Soccer), Sarah Muzik (Softball), Alex Lanning (Soccer), Adam Prentice (Football), Barry Wesley (Football) and Flori Witenstein (Swimming & Diving). The group will be accompanied by Dr. Bimper, CSU VP for Student Affairs Dr. Blanche Hughes, Asst. Director of Diversity and Inclusion Kim Mbadinga-Nzamba, Diversity and Inclusion graduate assistant Lorenda Holston and CSU Police Captain Frank Johnson.

The program was conceived by Bimper, who returned to his alma mater in 2013 with the charge to create programs to promote diversity and inclusion within the athletics department, and to enhance the connection between athletics and the academy—endeavors with which he was very familiar from his time as a CSU student-athlete in football from 2002-05.

The impact of Bimper's presence has been seen in the variety of programs and initiatives designed to expand students' learning opportunities, and that experience has now gone global with the first two Green & Global trips.

While Jamaica is known for its beach-oriented tourist attractions, program participants will live in the small, rural community of Petersfield, which offers a glimpse into a more authentic Jamaican culture, with its location in the heart of the sugar-producing regions of central Westmoreland Parish.

Student-athletes will meet with local community leaders, serve more than 15 hours on need-based service projects and explore the country and culture through field tours, presentations and community events. In addition to cultural immersion, students will explore Roaring River Park, Bluefields Beach, Savannah La Mar, Frome Sugar Factory and Maroon Village, and visit local schools. Cultural presentations will focus on Jamaican history and culture, youth development in Jamaica and culinary arts to gain a greater understanding of the region.

CSU's student-athletes have seen their opportunities expand dramatically in recent years. The most visible expansion of the student-athlete experience has come in the way of investments in nutrition, facilities and academic support to further fulfill the department's mission to Educate, Engage and Excel.

Through Bimper's efforts, another important aspect of that investment has come in the areas of diversity and inclusion. A 2006 CSU graduate, Bimper was a member of the Indianapolis Colts' 2006 Super Bowl championship team and went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Sport Psychology from Purdue University and completed his Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Cultural Studies in Education at the University of Texas.

In partnership with the CSU Office of International Programs, Dr. Bimper and CSU's Student Athlete Support Services again this year selected student-athletes for the trip from a pool of interested students—sophomores and older—based on high-achieving academic standing and one's efforts to be engaged beyond his or her sport.

Constantly growing and evolving, Colorado State seeks to provide students with a transformational experience, and the 2018 Green & Global education abroad opportunity again expands that reality beyond our borders.

Video recap of first Green & Global trip in May 2017:

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