The students of Professor Marc Adler's marketing strategies course are gathering used cell phones to benefit the Buffalo Zoo and the environment, but it's more than just good will - their grades depend on it.
Adler's course, designed like "The Apprentice," pits teams of students against one another in various projects. The winners aren't put in charge of any major companies, but they do set the curve for the class.
"I hope to make students think better on their own," Adler said. "That's my first charge - to get them to understand marketing better and how to succeed."
According to Dan Silver, a sophomore business management major and one of Adler's students, the phones donated to the zoo will be sold to a company called Eco-Cell. They will in turn be refurbished and donated to organizations such as the police and hospitals. Eco-Cell's overall goal is to eliminate mining projects that may harm gorilla habitats in Africa.
Phones will be collected from Feb. 13 through 19.
"We have a pretty lofty goal of raising at least 500 phones," he said. "We realize this is a tough task, but one that can be achieved through hard work and the good will of the UB and local communities."
A native of the area, Silver said that he was motivated by the opportunity to help preserve an important establishment.
"I am from Clarence, and I have a great passion for Buffalo and all its assets," he said. "This project not only helps us gain marketing skills, but it's a great way to help keep one of the area's vital family resources running."
Adler has been on the board at the Buffalo Zoo for the past 15 years. For him, the goal is to not only help the zoo and the environment, but his students as well. He emphasized the importance of giving his students hands-on experience while helping a community cause.
"For the students, I look for things that are real and practical, things that they can get their hands and arms around to teach them skills that they need to have if they're going to want to go into a particular career field," he said.
The funds raised will be used to help the Buffalo Zoo run more efficiently, according to Silver. The money will go to facility upkeep, care and maintenance of the animals and the collecting and breeding rare species to assist in their survival.
He encourages anyone interested to check out the event's Web page listed on Facebook under "Cell Phones for Charity."
Anyone with a spare cell can drop it off at the following campus locations:
350 Student Union (SA office)
221 Student Union (SBI Box Office)
222 Norton (CSTEP office)
208 Norton (EOP office)
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
