Larkin Elderon '09 is a relative new AIDS Workcrew volunteer, but she has already accomplished much in one year. Working closely with Global Health Council, she has brought Dartmouth into the international event AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Jordan Nahas-Vigon, AIDS Workcrew chair, describes Larkin as "incredibly efficient with accomplishing what she volunteers for and always a delight to see around campus." As she continues to encourage others to attend meetings or to volunteer for other responsibilities, Larkin reflects on "the energy and hope of the student group as a whole [that] demonstrates what can be done to work towards solving some of these problems, and that a supportive community devoted to helping exists."
Vinod Kumar '06 is known for being a consistent Generations Project volunteer. Because he is cheerful and thoughtful about his visits with a resident at Hanover Terrance, he makes it easy for project coordinators to arrange meetings for him. Willa Rose Johnson, Generations Project chair, comments that "he recognizes the implications for social justice that most people miss, and that he doesn't think of residents as just a group to be served but rather people to be respected." Vinod comes from a culture that venerates the elderly and he is bothered by the neglect observed in nursing homes. He finds the Generations Project rewarding because "it fulfills what I think is an instinctive need for a feeling of cross-generational community."
Naomi Heindel '07 is an Outdoor Leadership Experience (OLE) volunteer who was instrumental in establishing and continuing High School OLE. Others describe her as dedicated, unselfish, patient, caring, and that she is role model for kids and leaders alike. Susan Gordon, OLE chair, explains that "she helps out other days when they need a driver, she is concerned with every kid and leaders experience in the program, and she personifies dedication to OLE." Watching OLE grow from a group of ten volunteer to a program that has branched out to high schools has been amazing for Naomi. To Naomi, "OLE continues to be a tremendous opportunity for leadership and mentoring and outdoor fun for all involved!"
Richard Berger '09, is always there as a new mentor with the LEAD program. Doing a wonderful job to relate to his mentee, he is "patient with his mentee even when he plays Cranium Cariboo for three hours straight," Mark White, LEAD chair, remarks. Richard finds the program absolutely great and finds the other program volunteers to be awesome. He is able to "have a lot of fun while making a difference in a child's life," as evidenced by the photograph above.
