USD Logo
USD Home | A to Z Index | Campus Resources | Search
University of San Diego Thanksgiving House
Who we are
We are students of the University of San Diego participating in a project management course.
What we do
Each year, this class renovates the home of a deserving citizen in the area surrounding the University of San Diego. The purpose of the project is to provide the students with an opportunity to learn project management skills while at the same time making a contribution to the community by improving the quality of life of one of its citizens.
How you can help
We begin each year with very limited resources to perform the work for this extensive and involved project, so we are always in need of a wide range of materials. Practically all of the materials and donations must be raised by the students to meet each year's goals.

Donations (both monetary and in-kind) are actively being sought to help pay for some of the expenditures including supplies, tools and other items needed. Volunteers are also encouraged to attend on both weekends and assist with the renovation project.

Please, contact us to make a material donation or to find out about our volunteer needs. Or donate online now.

2007 Project
University of San Diego business students will renovate the home of a disabled man in just two weekends (Nov. 3-4 and 10-11) as part of the ninth annual Thanksgiving House project that teaches students project management skills. The home is located at 5361 Via Aquario which is in an area in close proximity to USD. This year’s client is 52-year-old Mark Manion, who sustained life-threatening injuries in 1974 when he was hit by a drunk driver as a teenager. Though doctors said he’d be paralyzed for life, he overcome the odds and was able to walk with a cane. He married and had two children. In 1991, he tripped at a restaurant and broke his neck again and is now confined to a wheel chair. Manion has been recognized for his advocacy efforts against drunk driving and is a frequent speaker on behalf of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This year’s ambitious project includes completely remodeling the kitchen to make it more accessible to Mark. Disabled-friendly improvements will be made throughout the house including lowering light switches and making doors and entryways accessible. Landscaping and patio improvements will be made in the front and back yards so Manion can enjoy the outside.


Mission Statement
To improve the quality of life for our clients while developing project management skills through teamwork and active community involvement. This mission is accomplished by USD students enrolled in the Project Management course. The house renovation project provides students with the opportunity to learn and apply the tools and techniques of project management while doing a community service. The Project Management course is offered every fall semester and the renovation work is completed the week before Thanksgiving, hence the name The Thanksgiving House.
 
Sponsors: University of San Diego|Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate|Cell-Crete Corp.|Lowes | John Rupley|Cal Turf | Manion Family