School of Business Administration
Building on Success: Jack Klebba Returns to Inspire First-Year Volunteers
Jack Klebba, a sophomore accounting and finance student, has made a remarkable impact connecting with first-year students and the community through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton. After taking part as a first-year student during his own Welcome Weekend, Klebba returned as a student leader, motivated to make the experience meaningful for a new group of students.
“I remembered how smoothly it was run last year and thought it’d be cool to see what went on behind the scenes,” Klebba said, reflecting on his decision to take on a leadership role in the program that had left such a positive mark on him.
Klebba’s experience as a freshman inspired him to step up and help lead this year. “I saw all the hard work the leaders put in to make it an enjoyable event where we could give back,” he said. “This year, I wanted to provide that same experience for the new freshmen.”
This year’s build presented challenges—a heavy rainstorm tested the volunteers’ resolve. “I thought most people would call it a day, especially with the parking lot full of puddles,” Klebba said. “But almost everyone threw on a poncho or just muscled through it. It was inspiring to see everyone’s commitment.” That shared determination created a sense of purpose that made the day unforgettable.
One of Klebba’s favorite moments during the Habitat for Humanity project came during the tear-down process. “I got to meet a lot of the adult volunteers who had amazing stories about their time giving back,” he shared. “Hearing about their journeys and learning what happens after the frames are built was eye-opening.” The connections he made and the stories he heard added deeper meaning to the work, reinforcing his commitment to community service and his belief in the power of shared effort.
Klebba’s dedication to service extends beyond Habitat for Humanity. As part of the BIZ 202 service-learning component, he volunteered five hours at St. Vincent de Paul’s Shelter for Men. He chose the shelter because he felt a personal connection to the individuals there. At the shelter, Klebba served meals, assisted with cleanup, and engaged in meaningful conversations with the residents, further exemplifying his commitment to making a difference in the community.
At the shelter, Klebba served meals, assisted with cleanup, and took the time to engage in meaningful conversations with the residents. His favorite part of the experience was serving food.
“Volunteering there was such a good experience,” Klebba said. “All the men were so thankful to have people giving time to them in their times of need. Most just wanted to get to know you and share their stories as well.”
This experience further reinforced Klebba’s commitment to fostering connections and providing support to those in need. Whether through building frames with Habitat for Humanity or sharing meals at the shelter, Klebba continues to make a lasting impact, embodying the values of service and leadership.