Wright State Athletes Volunteer to Build Home for Local Family in Raider Nation Build Initiative
DAYTON, Ohio — Wright State University athletes and coaches recently swapped their jerseys for tool belts, coming together last month to construct parts of a new Habitat for Humanity home for a Fairborn family. The initiative, dubbed “Raider Nation Build,” not only highlighted the university’s commitment to community service but also brought hope to a local mother and her four children.
The event, organized by Wright State’s Athletics Department, took place on March 12 in Lot 4 on campus. More than 160 student-athletes from every sport participated, working together to assemble panels for the future home. The effort is expected to save Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton approximately eight weeks of volunteer labor, speeding up the construction process.
David Mauch, Development Director at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton and a Wright State alumnus, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “This is a tremendous help,” Mauch said. “The time and energy these athletes have put into this project is invaluable.”
The home, which will belong to Fairborn resident Andriana Guzman and her four children, represents a dream come true for the family. Guzman and her family have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for over a year, earning sweat equity hours to qualify for the home. During the event, they joined the student-athletes in framing the walls, making the experience even more meaningful.
“For them, it might just be hammering a few nails into boards,” Guzman said. “But those boards will come together to build my home. I’m so grateful and feel truly blessed.”
For the student-athletes, the project was an opportunity to give back to the community that supports them. Jahi McDonald, a junior on the track and field team, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “It’s exciting to show the community that we’re here for them,” McDonald said. “Whenever we can do something meaningful for the people who rally around us, it’s a rewarding experience.”
This marks the second year Wright State University has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton and Wright-Patt Credit Union on a building project. The collaboration underscores the university’s dedication to fostering community ties and making a tangible impact in the lives of local families.
The Raider Nation Build initiative not only provides a home for a deserving family but also strengthens the bond between Wright State athletes and the Dayton community. As the panels take shape, they symbolize more than just a house—they represent hope, teamwork, and the power of collective effort.
— Reported by Nexio News
