USM Honors our Beloved Volunteers and the 2008 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 differentiate 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 Chief Academic Officer, 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 “Communicating 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 200 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!

The following two individuals were chosen from many qualified volunteers for their exemplary long-term service to the University.

Burt Blum (’97), Angel of the Year, 2008

“Your generosity of heart and spirit is known by all those around you. With gentle strength and kindness, you show up year after year, serving with a smile and a twinkle in your eye. Your caring for students and other Volunteers demonstrates the consciousness of service. You are precious to us. We love and honor you!”

Burt has been serving as an Assistant for over ten years now. With a gentle heart and great willingness, he’s always up to the task-at-hand. He also has a great sense of humor, which was evidenced by the first words out of his mouth upon learning that he had received this award: “Right now, I could use a 20-minute silent break!” He went on to speak of his gratitude for the profound impact the USM experience has had on his life. He concluded by saying “I owe so much to the University. Thank you for this great honor.”

Cynthia Hamilton (’98), Angel of the Year, 2008

“Your gentleness, sweetness, intelligence, and exquisite sensitivity serve you well and are the gifts you bestow on all those you’ve served at USM these many years. As a Reader, you hold a clear vision of healing and wholeness for each student, sharing generously and enthusiastically from the beauty of your heart. You are an angel and we’re blessed to have you among us! We love, honor, and cherish you.”

Bless you, Burt and Cynthia, 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.

Volunteering allows each graduate the opportunity to become part of an even bigger USM community. Additionally, the learning and loving continues! If you feel called to support the University in service, you can find out more by sending an e-mail to volunteer@UniversityofSantaMonica.edu or calling Jane Tucker or Daniel Eldredge at USM, (310) 829-7402. Blessings of loving and gratitude to all of our beautiful Volunteers. We love and appreciate you!