Dr. Wayne Morra, professor in the School of Global Business, and his Natural Resource Economics class has a “big idea” for the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek that runs through Arcadia University’s campus: restoring and beautifying it. The class conducted the work through the Honors Program’s Big Idea Competition.

As part of their long-term plan, the class removed trash, planted 50 trees, and created protective nets to shield plants from predators. Students used the Big Idea’s $500 prize to purchase willow oak and birch trees, netting, and other equipment.

“This project was built on our desire to improve the environment here at Arcadia while simultaneously providing opportunities for real-world application of what we were learning in class,” said Sean Lanning ’18.

This was the second annual Big Idea Competition, which encourages undergraduate students to pitch events, services, and other projects that are designed to enhance the campus or local community. A panel of judges reviews and discusses the feasibility of the projects, with the winning entry receiving a budget and committee support to bring their idea to life.  

“The Big Idea Competition is about inspiring students to think differently, to feel empowered, and to become leaders in creating the change they want to see,” said Helene Klein, director of Honors and Accelerated Programs. “It creates an opportunity for all Arcadia student to design a project that has the potential to create community-focused social change.”