USM Celebrates the 2005 Service Angels of the Year
Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick with Leslie Taylor ('98), one of USM's 2005 Angels of the Year.Each year, between 500 and 600 students attend the Master’s Degree Programs in Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica. These students are at the center of an educational community that is without parallel. Indeed, if you ask students and graduates of USM’s Programs to describe one of the primary qualities that differentiates USM from their other educational experiences, many will highlight the supportive and nurturing educational environment within which the classes take place.
“The University of Santa Monica really exists because of the generosity of Spirit,” shared USM’s Academic Vice President, Dr. Mary R. Hulnick, at this year’s graduation celebration at Royce Hall. “Our students are encircled by an amazing community of support. This is comprised of the faculty and staff, the Board of trustees, and our Chancellor.
“And standing right along with them are the many graduate volunteers who return to the University providing service every month. This allows this University to continue to thrive and for this very sacred, Soul-Centered education to be offered.”
The Angel of the Year awards are given each year in recognition of individuals who have consistently offered themselves in service for many years. Before announcing the recipients of these awards, Dr. Hulnick invited anyone in the audience who had served at USM to stand and be acknowledged. The audience of more than 1,850 offered heartfelt applause to the many individuals present who have supported the University in this way throughout almost a quarter century.
These individuals were just some of the hundreds of USM graduates who return each month to serve as Volunteers in support of the classes. This graduate community of volunteers provides valuable logistical, administrative, and academic support that contributes to the University’s mission of “Establishing the principles and practices of Spiritual Psychology worldwide through the process of Soul-Centered education.”
More than this very practical support, it is the power of the volunteers’ unconditionally loving and consistent Presence that is a cornerstone of the educational environment for which USM is known worldwide. This year once again, there is a waiting list to join these volunteer teams! Next year, more than 400 people will return to the University to volunteer in support of USM’s classes, workshops, seminars, and special events!
There are two primary opportunities for Grads who volunteer: to serve as Readers or classroom Assistants. Volunteers consistently speak of experiencing their time in service as a monthly “home-coming,” a time to return and connect more deeply inside themselves with the place that not only knows, but actually experiences the spiritual message, “I am a divine being having a human experience.”
USM’s Angels of the Year are often surprised to be acknowledged for doing something that has become so central to their way of life—answering the call of their spiritual heart. This year was no exception!
Jim Michael (‘01), Angel of the Year, 2005
Jim was very surprised to receive this award. Indeed, he was sitting in the upper balcony seating at Royce Hall, and it took a few minutes for him to complete the journey from his seat to the podium to collect his award! “We should get better seats for these people!” joked USM’s President, Dr. Ron Hulnick, as Jim made his way to the stage.
A graduate of USM’s outstanding M.A. Program in Counseling Psychology (CP), Jim has been the Assisting Team Captain of the CP Supervised Practicum class for six years. His consistent and loving presence is a welcome and genuine blessing at the University.
A little out of breath, Jim shared, “Clearly this was a surprise! It is a joy to be of service. I started coming to the University in 1996 and just kept coming back! I kept going deeper, learning more about myself, and about God. USM has changed my life, and I am just very, very grateful for the opportunity to be of service. Thank you!”
Leslie Taylor (‘98), Angel of the Year, 2005
After making her way down to the stage, Leslie shared in a voice full of gratitude about what it is that keeps her coming to USM as a Reader every month since graduating in 1998. “It is really an honor, a privilege, and a gift to serve at this University. When I came here, I came to get a Master’s Degree. And what I got was a life I didn’t even know I could have. I received the opportunity to open my heart in a way I didn’t know existed. I renewed my passion for life, for sharing my gifts, and developed a passion for volunteering here.”
Turning to the graduating class, she added, “I encourage you to do the same. Give yourself that gift! Thank you so very much, and bless everyone who is associated with this University!”
Bless you, Michael and Leslie, for continuing to return to USM again and again, to share in the learning and in the loving. We give our heartfelt thanks for the Angels that you are, and for all that you do.
And a big “Thank you!” to all our volunteers who stepped forward during this past year in support of Soul-Centered education—you are a difference that makes the difference! We will be honored to have you join us again next year.
While the Reading and Assisting Teams that support the M.A. Program in Spiritual Psychology are filled for the coming year, there are additional Volunteer opportunities available throughout the year.
