Groups guests of Franciscan

STEUBENVILLE -- Franciscan University of Steubenville rolled out the red carpet for two community groups as part of its new James 2 Project.

Those involved with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and members of the Sycamore Corps mentoring group of Steubenville, took part in the program that is named for the Bible's book of James 2:1-5.

The program gives special guests the VIP treatment when they visit the campus, according to Athletic Director Danny Andersen, who spearheaded the project.

Andersen explained the idea was derived from the New Testament, which describes in part, how a man should not show favoritism and should love his neighbors as himself.

He added the goal is simply to build community by giving others a similar experience, such as the university's supporters, including alumni, boosters and sponsors.

"I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to do something for those who otherwise don't get to enjoy our hospitality," Andersen commented. "We can roll out the red carpet for folks in the community, maybe kids or the under-resourced, as part of who we are as Franciscan University, and what we want to be as an athletic department -- to embody our values. I reached out to Bobbyjon Bauman at the Sycamore Center and he put me in touch with Steve Forte at the JCBDD."

Nine individuals from the county board and 10 students in the Sycamore Corps joined chaperones and watched a soccer game against Marietta College in September.

Another group visited for a volleyball game against Geneva College at the Finnegan Fieldhouse Oct. 22.

While there, special guests walked onto the field and court with the athletes.

They were formally recognized during the function, sat in the VIP section with university staff and received a complimentary dinner from Jimmy Johns, along with free drinks and snacks from the concession stand.

In addition, they gained James 2 Project T-shirts, autographs and met the Barons mascot and team members.

"At the end of the game, we print a picture of the team and roster and they get autographs," Andersen said. "We try to roll out the red carpet and hopefully, they can experience first-class hospitality."

He said he hopes to continue inviting the community regularly.

"The plan is to pick an event each month," he added, noting the groups may be invited back at some point in November or December.

He expressed his excitement due to a basketball game will be coming up and the crowd is large, with fun and exciting action.

Forte, who serves as the activities director for the JCBDD and the Jefferson County Special Olympics, stated this was a great opportunity for individuals to view activities taking place on campus and to immerse themselves in the experience.

"They contacted me to take up to 10 people to the campus and they received VIP treatment," Forte said. "The university is doing something for the less fortunate and people with a disability, and I take people who receive services from JCBDD."

He noted attendants from JCBDD included Special Olympics athletes and individuals with the Service and Support Administration.

Andersen said he only hopes to watch the program grow. "Franciscan University has three core values: Encounter, conversion and community," Andersen said.

"One of our core values is community, so this is one way we can be not just up on the hill, but can build that community with the local area -- particularly with people in this area who may not otherwise experience it in this way," he concluded.