TKE's devote semester to aiding exchange students
Olivia Vizachero
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Student Life
Throughout the winter semester members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity went out of their way to aid three foreign exchange students studying at the University of Michigan - Dearborn, proving that Greeks don't only help Greeks.
The philanthropy project began when TKE alumnus Jonathan Rork put his house, located in West Dearborn, on the market, but with the unfavorable economy was unable to sell it.
"I decided to list it for rent on the university's Web site," Rork said.
Not long after, Rork was contacted by Suzette Crandell of Counseling and Support Services who explained three foreign exchange students were in need of housing and interested in renting it out.
Nicolas Bardoulat, Maria Serra and Pauline Lecourssonois, the three students from France were deciding between Rork's house and the Lincoln Townhomes just across the street from the university.
"If they rented my place they would need transportation to and from school," said Rork.
The students went with Rork, who was able to offer his rental for considerably less than the Lincoln Townhomes.
"The three students tried to find a car, but weren't able to," TKE President Kyle Chmielewski explained.
Chmielewski, along with Andrew DiSalvo and Sean Omaits, two other active TKE's, stepped up and offered to transport the students to and from campus for the entire semester.
But their aid didn't end there. During the students' stay the Tekes took them to several places in and around Detroit, allowing them to see more of Michigan than just the inside of one of it's classrooms as well as save a hefty amount of cash not wasted on taxis or buses.
"We also helped them purchase things they needed online, because they didn't have credit cards," Chmielewski said of another TKE effort that helped ease the students' semester abroad.
While Chmielewski, DiSalvo and Omaits are glad they could help, they feel as though they benefited just as much as the exchange students.
"We learned so much about their culture, and it was different to see what they think of Americans." Chmielewski recalled the students telling him they don't have drive through banking, and in France no one ever takes home leftovers from a restaurant.
Rork, who is so grateful for his brothers' help, isn't the only one who appreciates the hand they extended. "The exchange students have told me on many occasions how helpful the Tekes have been."
The philanthropy project began when TKE alumnus Jonathan Rork put his house, located in West Dearborn, on the market, but with the unfavorable economy was unable to sell it.
"I decided to list it for rent on the university's Web site," Rork said.
Not long after, Rork was contacted by Suzette Crandell of Counseling and Support Services who explained three foreign exchange students were in need of housing and interested in renting it out.
Nicolas Bardoulat, Maria Serra and Pauline Lecourssonois, the three students from France were deciding between Rork's house and the Lincoln Townhomes just across the street from the university.
"If they rented my place they would need transportation to and from school," said Rork.
The students went with Rork, who was able to offer his rental for considerably less than the Lincoln Townhomes.
"The three students tried to find a car, but weren't able to," TKE President Kyle Chmielewski explained.
Chmielewski, along with Andrew DiSalvo and Sean Omaits, two other active TKE's, stepped up and offered to transport the students to and from campus for the entire semester.
But their aid didn't end there. During the students' stay the Tekes took them to several places in and around Detroit, allowing them to see more of Michigan than just the inside of one of it's classrooms as well as save a hefty amount of cash not wasted on taxis or buses.
"We also helped them purchase things they needed online, because they didn't have credit cards," Chmielewski said of another TKE effort that helped ease the students' semester abroad.
While Chmielewski, DiSalvo and Omaits are glad they could help, they feel as though they benefited just as much as the exchange students.
"We learned so much about their culture, and it was different to see what they think of Americans." Chmielewski recalled the students telling him they don't have drive through banking, and in France no one ever takes home leftovers from a restaurant.
Rork, who is so grateful for his brothers' help, isn't the only one who appreciates the hand they extended. "The exchange students have told me on many occasions how helpful the Tekes have been."
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