Dartmouth Community Service presents...
Renee Bissell '06Renee Bissell is an invaluable Dartmouth Community Service volunteer who dedicated four years of college to Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS). In addition to developing a strong relationship with her "little brother," she has contributed to the program's success as a BBBS chair for the past three years. Katherine Lang, current co-chair of BBBS, believes that Renee deserves to be a spotlighted volunteer because Renee has "donated her time, energy, creativity and personality to the program and has ensured that every term the program improves." When asked about BBBS, Renee cites it as one of her "defining Dartmouth experiences." She looks forward to the volunteers and co-chairs with whom she works on a weekly basis and says that she "count(s) on them to remind me (her) of what is important about our community".
Cameron Hahn is known as "god" among Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) executives for his efforts as a Dartmouth Community Service volunteer. He mentors a special needs child and devotes his time to developing the relationship. Furthermore, Cameron works tirelessly to ensure that all the matches in the program are successful. Katherine Lang, current co-chair of BBBS, comments how his "sense of humor, dedication and ability to get stuff done" make him an ideal candidate for Volunteer Spotlights. When asked about BBBS, Cameron says that it is "one of the major highlights of my (his) life" and a "defining feature of my (his) Dartmouth experience." He is grateful for the opportunity to relax outside of academics with a wonderful "little sib."
Alice Johnston, a model Dartmouth Community Service volunteer, modified Outdoor Leadership Experience (OLE) into a program also for high school students. Over the summer, she met with many people to discuss launching this idea and spent her time forming a planning committee to make it happen the following school year. Alice describes OLE as "a place to be creative outside with people who appreciate you being there." She is proud of the impact OLE volunteers have on students at Indian River School and Mascoma High School. Susan Gordon, current OLE chair, cites that Alice "deserves to be honored for the many hours she has put into the project, her passion and enthusiasm for making it great, and the success of the program already."
Adam Holt has the honor of being the first '09 Dartmouth Community Service volunteer to on Volunteer Spotlight for his work with Dartmouth Ends Hunger (DEH) and Hunger/Homelessness Awareness Week (HHAW). As a first-year student, he demonstrates a strong dedication to community service by heading the education committee of DEH and by planning HHAW. Zachary Kauffman, current DEH chair, describes Adam as "a dedicated individual, passionate about social justice and making a difference." When asked about DEH, Adam says that it is a great venue for discussing social justice issues and that it "encourage(s) us to think beyond what we have always known, and listen to people who are crying out for change." He finds that Dartmouth integrates his classroom experiences and his real-world experiences, such as DEH, in a unique manner unlike any other academic institution.
David Cao is an invaluable Dartmouth Community Service volunteer who has also served as chair of Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) for three years. He has contributed to the program's success as a BBBS chair and a big sib by bringing humor and dedication to the program. Katherine Lang, current co-chair of BBBS, jokes "He may not be prompt, but darn if he isn't passionate." When asked about BBBS, David cites it as "one of the most fulfilling experiences I(he) have(has) had at Dartmouth." He sees his relationship with his little sib as one that is mutually benefiting and laughs that this relationship is what adds to his extensive Pokémon knowledge.
Kevin Keung, as a Haven Homework Club volunteer, exemplifies reliability in Dartmouth Community Service. He has consistently visited the Haven, at times without the company of other volunteers. Many stories have been told of Kevin's ability to patiently calm difficult children. Claudia Rueda, current Haven Homework Club chair, has cited many examples of his excellent work and declares that "his presence makes a difference." Kevin enjoys working at the Haven because "it not only allows me(him) to teach kids how to do their homework but also allows me(him) to demonstrate my(his) value for education." He volunteers weekly to get away from the pressures of his own work.
Marianna Spanos is honored on November Volunteer Spotlights for her work as Asia Relief fundraising co-chair. During this past term, she has worked hard to raise money for Pakistan earthquake victims. Sonia Faruqi, chair of Asia Relief efforts, has cited Marianna as "very giving of her time and effort," "creative with ideas," and "reliable and great to work with." Marianna has enjoyed working with Asia Relief and Tucker because it has given her a chance to help millions of earthquake victims in "a small but meaningful way". She hopes to continue to raise awareness and funds on campus next term.
