SPECIAL TO THE OREGON OBSERVER

MILWAUKEE _Are you wondering how students are still engaging with their communities while attending classes online? Students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are finding unique ways to make a difference both virtually and remotely.

Recently, Nathan Feest, a UWM senior from Oregon, Wisconsin, was reviewing the Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research’s (CCBLLR) bi-weekly email of service opportunities. He noticed that a local nonprofit, Pathfinders, was in need of masks for the local youth it served.
Feest’s father had recently bought a 3D printer after learning about a type of mask called the “Montana Mask.” These masks could be made using a 3D printer and pieces of N95 masks. He saw an opportunity to help.

Each mask takes anywhere from an hour and a half to four hours to print, Feest said. The 3D printer is capable of printing about 85% of the mask, and then Feest uses pieces of N95 masks to finish assembling them. Feest dropped his first set of masks of at Pathfinders early in late April and dropped another batch there in early May.

“We love to see our students finding unique ways to be assets to our Milwaukee community. Nathan used his experience in IT management to a make a difference in the lives of local youth,” said Zachary Garrity, CCBLLR program manager. “It is great to see both students and staff staying engaged with service during these unusual times.”

Feest previously volunteered in his Multicultural America service-learning course at UWM. He has also volunteered in providing free IT services for Our Next Generation, which is a local youth-serving organization in Milwaukee.

“Technology innovation exists to give people tools to perform task in ways they never have before, and that is exactly what the The Montana Mask does,” he said. “My father is also in technology, and I am thankful that he inspired me to work in a field where I am constantly innovating myself. This keeps me hungry and prepared for a lifelong journey of learning.”

Feest graduated in May with a degree in Information Technology Management and a certificate in International Business.

The Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research (CCBLLR) partners with the community to inspire students, faculty, and staff to engage in activities that foster enduring personal and social change. The CCBLLR moves UWM to the next level by improving the student civic and leadership experience through a holistic and seamless approach to community engagement. Overall, the CCBLLR will ensure greater impact and success in UWM fulfilling its civic mission and providing well-developed leaders for our communities.