Celebrating the faces of Global Days of Service 2019
Over the past nine years, BU alumni and friends around the world have come together to give their time and energy to support hundreds of nonprofits. Thousands of volunteers have helped make an impact, driven change locally and globally, and served over 133,000 hours. To celebrate the 10th year of Global Days of Service at BU, we acknowledge and celebrate the following alumni who have dedicated their time year after year to help make GDS a success. Read about how alumni get involved, their experience with #BUDaysofService, and how you can support.
What do you want others to know about the REAL Program’s mission, and the work done by volunteers there?
Society and civilizations are only as strong as their weakest components. That may sound quite grandiose in a conversation regarding a relatively small elementary school program in a non-significant city, but the fact of the matter remains that it is the children of the poorest, most diverse ethnic sectors of society around whom the policies and economics of the future will be shaped. It is with this lofty consequence as an undercurrent, that the REAL Program strives to nourish the intellects and bodies of its young charges. How do they do this? Most significantly, they do this simply by providing a safe place, a resource for academic questions, and positive role-models and cheerleaders for those who might not otherwise receive such fundamentals. The long lasting effect of the individual attention showered upon the students at the REAL Program is profound and tangible.
Society & civilizations are only as strong as their weakest components.
Why Did You Volunteer?
I met Matt Smith (CAS’70, Questrom’72) a few years ago in my company’s cafeteria wearing a BU cap. We got to talking and next thing I know he’s telling me how he leads a volunteer project at Mill River Park in Stamford. For a few years he led the project and I joined him and fellow BU alums in the area. I decided to take over and lead when Matt retired and moved to California. It’s nice way to spend a few hours outside helping an organization provide a wonderful green space in the middle of a bustling and busy city. It’s a nice way to give back to an organization trying to make a difference by giving a residents a green space.
It’s a nice way to give back to an organization trying to make a difference by giving a residents a green space.
Why would you encourage others to volunteer?
Shibuya Street clean-up does not require much of your commitment, but fun. Every year we always meet new alumni. If you want to connect with fellow alumni in Tokyo, please come and join us! After the clean up, we usually go for a beer to celebrate and to get to know one another.
After the clean up, we usually go for a beer to celebrate and to get to know one another.
Why is the work done at Rise Against Hunger important to you?
I believe that every human being deserve to have basic human necessities. This includes food. We have packaged hundreds of thousands of meals that serve school feeding programs, orphanages, and health clinics around the world. I didn’t grow up in a place where I experienced this kind of need and hunger. I had opportunities that some of these children will never have and because of that, I strive to do everything I can to provide hope and opportunity to those that need it. I found an organization that is not only helping those in need but is also sharing the opportunity to help with anyone and everyone interested.
I strive to do everything I can to provide hope and opportunity to those that need it.
Why Volunteer?
Every BU student and alum has something to give. It is always heartwarming to share a lifetime of memories, experiences and great work ethics with veterans and those needing assistance as they make their way through some rough patches of life. Sharing should be part of everyone’s DNA. The world today can be a tough place. Why not bring a little joy into the lives of citizens merely looking for kindness and compassion. Volunteering is where it’s at!
The world today can be a tough place. Why not bring a little joy into the lives of citizens merely looking for kindness and compassion.
Why do you support the Patriot Guard Riders in Norman, OK?
PGR was started to escort the funerals of deceased military veterans and to honor their service. However, we also protect the family of the veteran from protesters who would disturb the funeral service, escort the funeral of any first responders, escort troops returning from deployment and those being sent on deployment . To us, there is no greater calling than to honor and protect those who have offered to put their lives in harm’s way for our country. Our purpose is not only protect the service but to show to the community and to the nation that patriotism is not dead and it is thriving.
To us, there is no greater calling than to honor and protect those who have offered to put their lives in harm’s way for our country.
How would you encourage others to volunteer?
I would tell fellow BU Alumni that I understand that it is sometimes challenging to step back from our busy personal and work schedules to contribute our time and effort. However, if we make time for BU GDS once a year, I guarantee that those few hours of work will be one of the most rewarding experiences for you and it will set an example for your children, as future generations who will inherit our planet.
If we make time for BU GDS once a year, I guarantee that those few hours of work will be one of the most rewarding experiences.