Smith Team MBA Cleans up Fort Washington Park

During the final day of MBA orientation (August 21, 2007) students from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business gathered at Fort Washington Park where they spent time cleaning up the park, which is a historic fort and part of the National Park Service situated in Maryland along the Potomac River.

Fort Washington is over 180 years old and is one of the few remaining seacoast forts in its original design. Except for a few guns at the Washington Arsenal, Fort Washington was the only defense for the nations capital until the Civil War when a circle of temporary forts was built around the city.

"Helping clean up Fort Washington Park was certainly a positive experience on many levels," said first-year Smith MBA student Pete Baird. "I had a great time bonding with fellow classmates outside of Van Munching Hall and it felt really good to know that our work will help further the appreciation of Fort Washington for future visitors. Perhaps the best part is the realization that as the first MBA class to undertake a group service project during orientation, we're setting up a legacy of social responsibility for future classes to follow and emulate."

"This event was significant because it was planned, led and executed almost entirely by the students to demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility," said second-year Smith MBA Miguel Dieguez, a student organizer. "Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the students responded impressively. As soon as they arrived at Fort Washington and saw the significance of this project, the group attacked the work with a clear sense of purpose and outstanding teamwork." 

Across the Potomac from Fort Washington Park sits Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, and while students were clearing driftwood -- and large trees -- from the riverbanks, they themselves became part of the sights as many tour boats cruised by and tourists waved, wondering what dozens of people in "Team MBA" white t-shirts were doing carrying large logs along the river.

MBA students worldwide support their local communities and greater causes every day and "Team MBA," an initiative of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), exists to encourage and herald their efforts.

The heavy lifting, weed-whacking, shoveling, spading, raking, scraping, tree-chopping, path-clearing, and canon-scrubbing really paid off. At the end of the day, Fort Washington Park never looked better, and Smith Team MBA was closer than ever.

"Thanks to the University of Maryland Smith School MBA students the historic fort at Fort Washington Park sparkles!" said park ranger Bambi Sears. "Park Manager Bill Clark was smiling from ear to ear with satisfaction the next day. Ranger Lynwood Jefferson and I were both very impressed with the students' organization and energy. It was wonderful to
see that much work accomplished in a short period of time. Truly it was collaboration and enthusiasm in action!"

"It was a great day and great experience with my classmates," said first-year Smith MBA Kelly Liu about the Fort Washington Park clean-up project. Besides the leadership, communications, and team-building aspects, Liu said, " I think it is also very important because it reminds us that as future business professionals, we need to be mindful of the community around us and understand our accountability to become a better ethical leader. With greater social responsibility awareness, we can make the right strategy for our organization and benefit the society as a whole."

For more information about Fort Washington Park's activities and volunteer opportunities, visit: www.nps.gov/fowa.

Alissa Arford-Leyl, Office of Marketing Communications