Richard Bruno

M.D., Professor of Biology, Lynn University, Florida
Richard Bruno: 1951-2010

“When I attended the first Students for the Poor fundraiser in March of 2008, one of my former students gave a very moving presentation of a visit to a Haitian orphanage. Although all of the children had various forms of disabilities, she was attracted to the side of a bedridden little boy. As she looked into his large dark eyes, she explained it was as though she could see his soul. I immediately volunteered to participate as a faculty leader on the next Journey of Hope. Needless to say, spending five days in the poorest areas of Kingston, Jamaica, with 25 students and three other faculty/staff members was an incredible experience. What I discovered, however, was not only having a role as a volunteer but, more importantly, working with students who were serving the poor, the handicapped, and the disadvantaged for the first time.

Although most of the students did not know each other before their trip to Jamaica, they quickly bonded with each other and with the staff and faculty. The experiences were so intense, there would be times when everyone would start crying, causing each other to give a hug, a kind word, and show other forms of support for each other. During my 21 years with the State Department, I travelled all over the world and worked in many poor countries. I don’t think I have ever seen the kind of unity and bonds formed by the students on this trip.

After returning to the Boca Raton campus, the students continued to stay close to each other. As Students for the Poor swelled in number, its fundraising efforts went up as well. Students who have gone on such journeys have a better appreciation for each other as well as for what they have and what they are willing to give. They are truly changed for life.”

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