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Going to school extends far beyond the classroom for Mark Blackwell, a second-year
student in the Haskayne School of Business. In addition to carrying four courses,
Blackwell spends more than 40 hours a week on volunteer projects that range from the
2009 Solar Decathlon Project, to helping to create a Student World Energy Congress.
“To get the most out of school, I believe students need to get involved with the whole
university,” says Blackwell. “Your GPA is of course important, but school is more than
just the grades you see on paper. I’ve sought out very cool projects that have given me
the chance to work with amazing professors and industry experts, and to develop
friendships with people from around the world – people who I’ll keep as contacts after I
graduate. I’ve even met and talked with Al Gore because of my volunteer work.”
In one of his main volunteer commitments, Blackwell is the co-chair for the Solar
Decathlon Project, a prestigious, international competition that garners a $100,000
prize and the chance to exhibit their winning entry on the busy National Mall in
Washington, D.C. He credits this project for helping him learn about an area he now
expects to specialize in when he graduates.
“Since I’m co-managing this project, I’ve come to understand the value of working as a
team – especially when my teammates come from diverse areas like business,
environmental design, nursing and engineering,” says Blackwell. “I believe I’ve really
strengthened my leadership and communications skills, and have a better understanding
of project management, motivating team members, marketing, fundraising, planning,
proposal writing, and a myriad of other skills I’ll need when I graduate.”
Blackwell came across the opportunity to build the most energy-efficient, completely
solar-powered home when he attended a conference in Rome on behalf of the U of C.
When he returned home, he got to work gathering the support of more than 100
students and faculty from the U of C, SAIT Polytechnic and Mount Royal College – this
team has now initiated the first-ever student-led, intercollegiate project.
“We want to create a legacy in Alberta,” says Blackwell. “One goal of this project is to
educate people about how solar technologies can be readily and affordably integrated
into their homes.” www.albertasolardecathlon.ca
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