USM Honors our Beloved Volunteers and the 2009 Angels of the Year!

The University of Santa Monica is blessed to have a very enthusiastic, willing, and giving volunteer community. Each year more thank 200 graduates of the University return to volunteer in support of USM’s M.A. Program in Spiritual Psychology. Volunteers give countless hours of their time to support the students, the University, and their own personal growth and evolution. Clearly the graduates of USM are answering the call to be of loving service that is so vital in our world today.

At USM there are two primary volunteering opportunities for the Graduates: serving as a Home Assignment Reader or as a Classroom Assistant. Each role requires a consistent level of commitment and many hours of service. Yet, each year more and more grads show up to be part of the USM volunteer community. As one of our Angels of the Year expressed “I always receive more than I give.”

Every year at Graduation the University recognizes two volunteers for their service contribution. Recipients of this award have given a minimum of 5 years of volunteer service to the University, and each honoree also demonstrates that they are a living example of the tools and skills taught in the Spiritual Psychology Graduate Program. They are an inspiration to all of those who come in contact with them, both at the University and in their everyday lives.

Christopher Connolly (‘96), Angel of the Year, 2009

Your Light shines brightly, radiating exquisite sensitivity, courage, intelligence, and loving. As a long-term Reader, you bring great enthusiasm and caring for each student for whom you read. Their wins are your wins. You lift us with your soothing voice and kind heart. It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge you.

Christopher Connolly has been a valued and beloved member of the Reading Team for the Second Year of the Graduate Program for the past 7 years. Chris always calls forward the best in himself and his fellow readers with his loving service, dependability, and gentle spirit. Chris was filled with emotion when he heard his name called as Angel of the Year. He shared with the audience how through his work at USM and as a Reader, he has learned how to truly love himself and become a whole person. When speaking of his experience as a Reader, Christopher shared: “Attending USM gave me my wings, Reading taught me how to use those wings.”

Nancy Staack (’03), Angel of the Year, 2009

you are known for your kindness, patience, and willingness to serve. Your love for the students shows in the steadiness in which you support them in their educational journey. Through your eyes, your smile, and your laughter you are a shining example of grace in action. We love and honor you.

Since graduating in 2003, Nancy has been an enthusiastic member of the volunteer community. Her support of the First Year Assisting Team has been a gift to us all. Nancy has also served as Team Captain at the Second Year Practicum. Upon receiving the award, Nancy shared with the audience in her usual joyful way that the gift of USM has been “the ability to be who I truly am – and it gets better all the time!” When reflecting on her experience as a classroom Assistant, Nancy shared: “Being in service at USM is a pleasure and an honor. I always get more than I give. I encourage you to serve!!”

We acknowledge Nancy and Christopher for continuing to support USM year after year with your enthusiastic, loving, and impeccable service consciousness. We love you and we appreciate you!

We also share our deep gratitude to the University’s entire Volunteer community. Your support of Soul-Centered education is making a profound and positive difference in this rapidly changing world in which we are all journeying on together. Your gift of loving service and Light is a gift that truly uplifts us all!

A Special Message for All USM Graduates!

When you join USM’s Volunteer Team,s you become a vital part of an even bigger community of like-minded souls. As Christopher Connolly shared: “Being of service gives you the opportunity to learn how to use the wings that you earned as a USM student.”

We invite you to contact USM if you are called to serve at the University for the 2009-2010 academic year! You can send an e-mail to volunteer@UniversityofSantaMonica.edu or you can call Jane Tucker or Daniel Eldredge at USM (310) 829-7402. Blessings of love and gratitude to our entire Volunteer Community! We love, value, and appreciate you!!