Marywood University School of Architecture, Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary, and University Gear Shop Join Forces for a Transformative Partnership
Drexel Hill, PA, – September 28, 2023
Marywood University School of Architecture (MUSOA), a leading institution in architectural education, Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary (Arthur’s Acres), a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal sanctuary focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and education and University Gear Shop (UGS), an expert in innovative campus store solutions, brand growth and marketing are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking three-way partnership to enhance the sanctuary's facilities to increase capacity for rescue, create an all-season center for animal rehabilitation, and create a multi-purpose space for education.
MUSOA is renowned for its commitment to educating a new generation of architects who engage with the world passionately and intelligently. “Students strive to enrich lives and to inspire constructive change in the world. Their dedication for compassionate architecture serves as an influence for good in the lives of others and the world we inhabit, this aligns perfectly with the vision of Arthur’s Acres to serve and educate,” said Maria MacDonald, Founding Faculty of MUSOA. Third-year students in the program will be embarking on a semester-long project to help re-envision and expand the rehabilitation, enrichment, educational, and animal living spaces at Arthur’s Acres.
“Arthur’s Acres is dedicated to rescuing animals that have been abused, exploited, or discarded. We rehabilitate the animals we care for through patience, love, and respect,” noted Todd Friedman, Executive Director and founder of the Parksville, NY-based animal sanctuary. Friedman added, “Given our commitment to educating individuals on leading cruelty-free lives through everyday choices and our focus on lessening environmental impact, we couldn’t be happier to be working with the Marywood students on this project. Through this partnership, the students will play a pivotal role in helping us reimagine, redesign, and expand the sanctuary's original barn and we will play a positive role in their education.
Students will not only gain experience by working with a real-world client, but we will also emphasize the importance of choosing cruelty-free and environmentally friendly options that will hopefully impact decisions they will make throughout their careers.” At the end of the semester, 32 students will deliver a comprehensive multi-phase plan to enhance the existing facilities and create a state-of-the-art barn tailored to animals with special needs.
UGS, with its expertise in brand growth and marketing, is set to be an invaluable partner in this venture. “Our goal is to leverage our expertise in marketing, social media, and technology to share the compelling story of Arthur's Acres and MUSOA’s campaign,” shared William Boney, Executive Vice President of UGS. UGS aims to raise awareness and support for this transformative initiative by driving greater engagement for both organizations.
This partnership is not only a testament to the commitment of these organizations to drive positive impact in their communities but also an exemplar of collaboration across different sectors, demonstrating the power of synergy in creating meaningful change.
In the coming months, the three partners will embark on this exciting journey of transformation. You can follow our journey through a young pig named Mikey on the Arthur’s Acres YouTube channel (@arthursacres). Mikey is one of Arthur’s Acres residents and is symbolically “going to college” to provide a pig’s perspective to the students of MUSOA as they design the Arthur’s Acres Barn. The partners are delighted the world will witness the positive impact that can be achieved when academia, non-profit organizations, and commercial services unite for a shared compassionate purpose.
About Marywood University School of Architecture:
Marywood University School of Architecture is committed to educating a new generation of architects and interior architects who engage the world passionately and intelligently. With a rigorous studio-based curriculum and a focus on critical thinking and collaboration, Marywood prepares students to excel in the field of architecture.
About Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary:
Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit sanctuary located in Parksville, New York. Founded by Todd Friedman after a walk on the property uncovered a baby pig, Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary is now five years old (as is the pig whom he named Arthur). To learn more about the work being done at Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary, visit the arthursacresanimalsanctuary.org website or social media at @arthursacres on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About University Gear Shop:
University Gear Shop is a leading service provider in higher education market, providing innovative campus store solutions that drive brand growth and awareness. Through innovative retail spaces. marketing, social media, pop-up events, technology, and e-commerce solutions, UGS works with national collegiate institutions to promote their brand and engage with their target audiences effectively.
