USM Celebrates Volunteer Service:
the 2006 Angels of the Year

USM’s students are at the heart of an educational community that is without parallel anywhere in the world. Stop any USM grad or student in the street and ask them to comment on the most outstanding qualities of their educational experience, and they will certainly speak to the academic excellence and depth of the Programs, as well as to the leading edge educational format that in and of itself is designed to create the experience of learning. The majority, perhaps even all, of them will highlight the supportive and nurturing educational environment within which the classes take place.

“The University of Santa Monica stands upon the Founder’s vision and is nurtured by 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 embraced, supported, and nurtured by an amazing community of support which includes the faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees, and our beloved Chancellor.

“And walking with them every step of the way are the hundreds of graduate volunteers who return to the University in service every month. This ongoing and generous gift of loving support means that this University continues to flourish. Service is an essential pillar of USM’s sacred, Soul-Centered educational process.”

Before announcing the recipients of the Angel of the Year awards that are given in recognition of individuals who have volunteered on a regular basis at USM for five years or more, Dr. Mary R. Hulnick invited all those in the audience who had ever volunteered at USM to stand and be acknowledged. The audience of more than 1,800 offered heartfelt applause to the scores of individuals present who have supported the University in this way throughout a quarter century. There were some in the audience who had graduated from USM’s first classes, twenty-five years ago, who continue to serve the University to this day!

These individuals are among the hundreds of USM graduates who return every month to serve as Volunteers in support of the classes. This graduate community of volunteers provides essential logistical, administrative, and academic support that makes USM’s Soul-Centered education possible.

There are two primary opportunities for Grads who volunteer: serving either as home assignment Readers, under the supervision of the Faculty, or as Classroom Assistants. Volunteers consistently speak of experiencing their time in service as a monthly “home-coming,” a time to connect deeply with their hearts, to share the loving, and to remember, “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!

Arlene Stepputat

Arlene’s generous heart is well known within the USM community, as she has served every year since 1998. As she stepped to the podium to receive her award, her radiant smile communicated the essence of her joyful and loving presence.

“My life is so enriched by the experience that I had as a student that I just kept coming back.” With tears of joy, she offered a heartfelt call to the graduating class: “Keep coming back!” She continued by quoting Rabindranath Tagore: “‘I awoke and saw . . . that service was joy.’ Our Chancellor, John-Roger, has said that service is the highest form of consciousness, and if there is any place to be of service, USM is the gift that you give yourself. Thank you!”

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2006 ANGEL OF THE YEAR
Arlene Stepputat
 

You have answered the call of service for many years, inspiring us with your dedication, wisdom, sensitivity, and loving. With a ready wit and radiant smile, you bring joy and enthusiasm to every situation, and your caring heart is a beacon of Light to those around you. We love, honor, and cherish you.

Mike Polek

If anyone could have been more surprised than Arlene, then it was Mike Polek—for he was serving as a volunteer at the Graduation ceremonies and heard his name through the headphones he was wearing in his work at the sound desk!

Mike has served in many capacities at USM since Graduating in 2000. After removing his headphones and making his way to the podium, he shared with a level of integrity and openness that infuses all that he does at the University: “I often have wondered what I would say if I were up here . . . I’m still wondering! “ There was laughter and applause. Then there was silence as Mike looked out upon the Royce Hall audience. And there was more silence. And in a very tangible way, the entire audience attuned to the loving resonance of Mike’s presence. “And I am still wondering!” he said a third time, laughing with joy.

He continued, “What comes to my heart is how much it has meant to me to support so many of you. And so many of you have come up to me, and remember my name, and that means so much to me—to know that the connection is made. It is such an incredible experience—come and serve as an Assistant! Thank you!”

UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA
2006 ANGEL OF THE YEAR
Mike Polek
 

Your loving kindness, generosity of Spirit, dedication and willingness to serve in all ways needed are truly inspirational. Your excellence resonates with and supports the University of Santa Monica’s mission in ways seen and unseen. It is with heartfelt love and deep gratitude that we acknowledge you and your many years of exemplary service to USM.

Bless you, Arlene and Mike, for continuing to return to USM again and again and for your combined fifteen years of service! Your consistent willingness to share in the learning, in the loving, and in the sharing is an inspiration to all those who know you, volunteer with you, and receive of the gifts that you share. 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 truly a difference that makes the difference! We will be honored to have you join us again this year.

Volunteer opportunities are available at the University. You can find out more by sending an e-mail to volunteer@universityofsantamonica.edu, or calling Sonja Johnson or Daniel Eldredge at USM, 310-829-7402.