Unifab Corporation (Unifab), a full-service precision metal fabrication business, recently partnered with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Troop 80452 to deliver a unique, hands-on learning experience that combined design, engineering and community service.
As a result of this partnership, 17 custom-designed metal signs created by the Scouts were unveiled at St. Augustine Cathedral School on Thursday, May 29.
Throughout the past year, the Scouts toured Unifab’s facility, engaged in design discussions, and observed their signage being fabricated. This immersive process offered Troop 80452 insight into the technical and creative aspects of metalworking, reinforcing Unifab’s ongoing commitment to encouraging youth exploration in the skilled trades and STEM fields.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside Troop 80452 and see their creativity and curiosity come to life,” said Unifab President Matt Hill. “At Unifab, we enjoy supporting the next generation of innovators and giving back to the communities that support us.”
Unifab was joined in this initiative by Midwest Fasteners, who generously donated the bolts used to install the signage. The completed signs are mounted at St. Augustine Cathedral School, 600 W. Michigan Ave. in Kalamazoo, where students, families and community members can view the Scouts’ hard work and celebrate their contributions.
“This project came out of our effort to complete our Bronze Award,” said Girl Scout Troop Leader Maureen Yanik. “Earning the award involves a long time of exploring your community, choosing your project, planning it, putting your plan in motion, and spreading the word about your project.
“Our troop decided to beautify our school community and wanted to do it in a sustainable way. These metal signs, courtesy of our friends at Unifab, will stand the test of time, enabling our scouts to improve their community while also learning about STEM and manufacturing fields. We are incredibly grateful for everyone who helped the girls along the journey of this project,” Yanik said. Unifab CEO Rob Thayer agreed, and said, “We’re proud to play a role in helping young leaders explore new interests and build confidence in their abilities. This project is a great example of what can happen when industry and youth organizations collaborate with purpose.”
The signs feature the Works of Mercy, which are charitable actions that help address both the physical and spiritual needs of others, as outlined in the Bible and Catholic Church teachings. They are divided into Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy, which address material and spiritual needs, respectively.
Andra Zommers, St. Augustine Cathedral School Principal, noted the significance of the signs, saying, “These signs are more than just making our school campus more beautiful; they are physical proof of our students taking initiative, learning from our local community leaders, and offering something that will last for many years to come.”
Unifab, based in Portage, Michigan, has provided expert fabrication services to industries ranging from automotive to material handling since 1940. For more information about Unifab and its services, visit unifabcorporation.com.
