Drury students assist in community development

Drury University architecture students have worked throughout the semester with Missouri communities statewide in an effort to improve urban and rural development.

As part of Drury's Center for Community Studies, architecture students met with community leaders and citizens during the semester and will present a book of ideas - dubbed the "visioning toolkit" - to most of the areas next week, according to a university news release.

A total of seven projects were fleshed out during the semester.

A Stockton project which had students developing plans for the town to continue stabilizing itself after tornado damage hit the area in 2003 was presented May 2.

Students are working with Central High School in Springfield to highlight fine arts and technical arts and address the school's growth. The proposal will be presented May 11 at the school.

Similar projects in Crane, Galena and Reeds Spring, have students working on ways to attract new jobs and increase opportunities for business endeavors. Proposals will be given May 9 at Galena Public Library, May 10 at the Reeds Spring High School and May 12 at Crane High School.

In Carthage, students will propose projects that would promote the community's history and highlight its increasing diversity. The presentation is scheduled for May 9 at the Carthage Memorial Hall.

Students will present their proposal May 10 in Rich Hill, addressing the town's dwindling population and drop in economic activity.[[In-content Ad]]