University of North Texas

As part of a service learning project in her REHAB 4860 course, Sarah Burt, a junior Rehabilitation Studies major, decided to start a UNT chapter of Best Buddies International. The class is taught by Chandra Donnell, assistant professor of Rehabilitation, Social Work and Addictions.

Sarah has put in a lot of work, including raising money to send herself to the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, said Jamie Settemeyer, communications and alumni relations coordinator in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. She has had some great success building a campus chapter and participating and advocating in events around the DFW area.

Best Buddies of UNT is a part of a global movement helping to enrich and empower the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by forming one-on-one friendships with college student volunteers or "buddies."

Best Buddies Colleges pairs people with intellectual developmental disabilities in one-to-one friendships with college students. College chapters have grown from one single chapter at Georgetown University to active chapters on more than 425 campuses.

•  Learn more on the club's facebook page.

- Jamie Settemeyer