Windham student participates in Marquette service trip to New Orleans

MILWAUKEE – William Hebert, a senior biomedical sciences major from Windham, traveled to New Orleans over the winter break with the Marquette University MARDI GRAS program. MARDI GRAS, which stands for Making A Real Difference in the Gulf Region and Areas Surrounding, is a student-run organization at Marquette that was created in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf region. MARDI GRAS aims to form meaningful relationships within the community of New Orleans, rebuild homes and neighborhoods, and raise awareness about the needs of the post-Katrina Gulf region. During winter break, Hebert and 94 other Marquette students drove 16 hours to New Orleans in vans and worked on 10 sites. Their tasks ranged from lot clearing to dry walling, sanding, painting, building a shed and any other tasks that needed to be completed. Additionally, MARDI GRAS students had the opportunity attend a Tulane basketball game and meet with Ed Conroy, Tulane’s head coach, who has been supportive of Marquette’s efforts in the area. “Many Marquette alumni have helped MARDI GRAS over the years – providing dinners and furthering the mission and ability to operate as an organization,” said Daniel Hughes, Marquette University MARDI GRAS vice president. “Marquette’s mantra as men and women for others could not be truer for the alumni and students that partake in these trips.”