Two of USM's cherished Volunteers. For more pictures, click here.

USM Acknowledges
and Celebrates the Volunteers
of 2008-09!

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, USM invited all of the Assistants and Readers to attend a special appreciation luncheon held in their honor. This provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication and commitment to service that is so readily and lovingly expressed by our Volunteer Community.

The downstairs USM Classroom was beautifully decorated with vibrant poinsettias and lit with the warm glow of candlelight. Underneath the Christmas tree were an abundance of red gift boxes, each holding a thermal travel cup for each participant to take home and enjoy. These gifts were joyfully distributed by the Luncheon Angels and received with delight!

While honorees dined on a delicious traditional turkey dinner and treats, Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick took the opportunity to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to the Volunteer Community, especially for those who continue to be in service year after year. Ron expressed his amazement at the record number of Volunteers who now serve at USM. In fact, he commented that the Assisting Team for the luncheon was larger than the first few graduating class!

Mary shared her experience she has each Friday night as she prepares for a class weekend, "There is a bell that rings in Spirit and all the volunteers, staff, and faculty hear that calling and start the process of traveling to USM. All of you answer the call from many different locations. Some have to travel great distances to be here, some short distances. That our souls hear and answer the call coming together in this unique environment to support the students for healing and to be in the USM energy is really remarkable."

Daniel Eldredge, Reading Program Director and Vice President of Education, spoke of the vital role USM's Volunteers play in contributing to the greater peace process and expressed his deep appreciation for the level of service each Volunteer so generously gives.

Jane Tucker, Volunteer Resources Director, shared, "I am deeply touched by the level of commitment and willingness each of you brings forward to be in service at USM month after month. It is an honor and a privilege to know each and every one of you."

As we look ahead to the New Year, we give thanks for the high level of loving service and dedication to the work that is done here at USM. Each and every Volunteer is a precious and vital gift to the success of USM. We thank you, one and all - you are in our hearts and prayers!