University of Dallas Partnership Sealed!
Vera Aqua Vera Vita (VAVV) is excited to announce the formation of its newest partnership agreement with a longstanding ally, the University of Dallas (UD)!
Through recent years, VAVV and UD have had a mutually beneficial relationship. Jacob Niemeier, VAVV’s Founder and Executive Director, has had the opportunity to present to various classes on campus and share with the UD community about the global water crisis and VAVV’s role in its relief. At the same time, the students and alumni of UD have an opportunity to grow in their professional abilities through internships, volunteering, and opportunities to help the organization, while being a positive voice for sustainable change in the world. Learn more about joining the VAVV team.
It is because of this mutually beneficial relationship and a shared strong Catholic identity that VAVV decided to propose a formal partnership between the two parties.
In February, after sending a proposal letter (see full letter here) to UD’s Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships, Rebecca Almanza, Niemeier presented a partnership pitch proposal to the university (see full presentation here). In it, he elaborated on the elements of the proposed partnership (seen below), hoping to provide the UD community and students with career growth opportunities, presentations and events on campus, as well as an opportunity to live out Catholic Social Teaching and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
On June 29, 2021, after a few months of continued communication between the two parties, and much support from their constituents, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Vera Aqua Vera Vita and University of Dallas was signed by UD’s President Dr. Jonathan Sanford, Ph.D. The MOU will remain in effect for one year from the date signed with the opportunity for annual renewal.
VAVV owes special thanks to Almanza who played a critical role from beginning to end in bringing this partnership to fruition. Almanza has been VAVV’s main advocate and source of contact, and shared her delight at the sealed agreement.
“It is my greatest joy to know that the University of Dallas is contributing to Vera Aqua Vera Vita's mission to help transform the physical and spiritual wellness of those in most need.”
Many UD faculty members also voiced their support of this partnership following the confirmation of the partnership.
One of the UD representatives present at the partnership pitch presentation, UD’s Associate Marketing Professor Dr. Dale Fodness said that his experiences with Niemeier and the passion he has for his mission have led Dr. Fodness to be a strong supporter of the partnership whenever possible.
“VAVV mirrors the mission of UD and will give students an opportunity to live its values in the world,” Fodness wrote.
Shannon Blatt, UD’s Director of Career Services and Employer Relations, shared her hopes that the partnership will give students exposure to what she called social entrepreneurship in action.
“I believe... [students] will gain important experience and transferable skills that will help them achieve their career and vocational goals.”
Already the MOU outlines event and speaking prospects for the upcoming Fall semester, as well as a new process to supply opportunities and select qualified student interns down the line, all while creating a pipeline for volunteer opportunities.
Niemeier is ecstatic about the opportunities for growth and good work the two parties have with this partnership.
“When founding Vera Aqua Vera Vita (VAVV) back in 2017, one of our hopes... was to collaborate closely with youth, students, and young adults to utilize their energy and passion to help us fulfill our mission,” Niemeier wrote. “We hope to inspire and engage the student body in a way that offers them real, tangible opportunities & experiences to benefit their educational [and spiritual] experience[s].”
Jeffrey Niemeier, Jacob Niemeier’s father and the longest tenured board member after Jacob, also shared high hopes about the prospects of the newly sealed partnership.
“The UD-VAVV partnership creates significant opportunities for both organizations,” Jeffrey Niemeier wrote. “It has the makings of a win-win for VAVV and UD.”
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