Who let the dogs out: A GU Experience First project
Published: June 29, 2022
This GU Experience First group (with dogs, Wookie (left) and Winnie) worked on a proposal for a dog park on campus
“See a need. Fill a need,” Greenville University President Suzanne Davis tells students. So, when students who enrolled in GU’s Experience First program this spring partnered with local entrepreneur Jason Prichard of Double J Doggie Play ‘n Stay, discussion ensued about current needs on campus that a dog park might fill.
“There are currently 12 registered emotional support animals on campus,” says senior Grace Gehner, proud owner of Winnie. “With the increased mental health needs of young adults, that number will only grow…A dog park on campus supports our on-campus animals but also provides a mental health gift to all students.”
She’s right. Mental health activities that include pets are the most well-attended on campus.
“I think every dog owner on campus would agree; our animals provide emotional support for multiple groups of students on campus,” says Grace.
Jason Prichard, owner of Double J Doggie Play ‘n Stay wants to see a dog park on campus too. “I want to support these students in making their campus community the best place for the mental health of the students and for their dogs.” Prichard committed to an annual donation for maintenance of the dog park, and to provide monthly dog training, and coupons for services at his shop.
A dog park at GU
After researching several potential sites, the team selected a site north of the tennis courts along Beaumont Avenue. The 75’x75’ lot provides plenty of shade and easy access from anywhere on campus.
For their project, the students researched
- best practices for dog park implementation;
- pricing for fencing, excavation, signage, benches, and agility equipment for both small and large dogs;
- liability laws in the State of Illinois; and
- signage requirements that would protect the institution.
They also put together a proposal for the dog park, outlining benefits, costs, and adherence to GU’s mission. They submitted the proposal to Breck Nelson, the University’s chief economic and innovation officer and Nelson passed it on to Mark Biddinger, CFO, for approval consideration within the next fiscal budget.
The Presentation
At semester’s end the group had 15 minutes to present their project to a group of faculty members, capture attention, prove their research, engage the audience, and pitch their plan
The students donned sunglasses and danced into the room to Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out.” Two campus-approved emotional support animals accompanied the six-member group.
Grace Gehner shared her personal story of a diagnosis of anxiety and depression, a myriad of medicines that impacted her personality, and a dog that gave her hope. The students engaged their audience with questions surrounding mental health and animal care, presented striking statistics, and shared their proposal for a dog park on GU’s campus.
Faculty asked questions about the students’ process and procedure for research and drawing conclusions. Questions required the group to also reflect on the integration of faith into their project, how they grew as individuals and as members of a team.
Junior Nick Hill closed the presentation with a plea to donate to help fund the cause. “The bottom line is [that] students struggle with mental health issues and having dogs on campus helps more than the student who owns the emotional support animal. A dog park is a win for the dogs, the students who own them, and students who visit there.”
GU’s dog park will cost roughly $20,000. This includes excavation, fencing, benches, signage, and agility equipment. The first phase is to construct the park and open it to students. A future phase could open the park to the Greenville Community as well.
To donate to GU’s dog park or other mental health needs for students, contact Evan Abla at the advancement office at evan.abla@greenville.edu, or 618-664-6503. Designate gifts to “GU Dog Park.”
