Volunteer of the Month

In recognition of National Volunteer Month in April 2024, more than 50 UMGC alumni, students, and staff members came together to support the second annual UMGC Global Give Maryland Volunteer Day. This year’s theme focused on food insecurity and nutrition awareness. Activities included distributing boxes of groceries to 100 families, kids’ coloring, healthy smoothie demos and tastings, taking fun photos with banana costume characters, bilingual storytelling, and creating 250 handwritten messages to teachers across Prince George’s County. Thanks to all the volunteers for giving back to our community and helping make the day a success!

Anthony Patterson is an active-duty servicemember of the Air Force and an undergraduate student who makes time to fight food insecurity in his community. He volunteers for the Community Assistance Program with Whosoever Will Christian Church, a program that aims to provide education and nutritional food in the communities in and around Beltsville, Maryland. Patterson hands out food and nonperishable items and has led teams to serve meals. In the past year, he and his team members served more than 5,000 individuals and 3,000 families in need.

Patterson has many reasons for volunteering, which he sees as both a way to give back and a way to build his own skills. “As someone who has been through and overcame homelessness, I truly appreciated those who helped me along the way,” he states. “Helping others stimulates my own growth and helps me learn new skills personally and professionally. Volunteering improves my leadership and teamwork, which makes me happier because I am able to connect with others.” Through volunteering, Patterson has a sense of purpose and strong ties to his community.

For the past three years, Destiny Bell has volunteered with Upward Thrive Academy, an organization in Charles County, Maryland, that promotes personal, family, and occupational wellness. Within the organization, Bell volunteers in multiple ways, from distributing food items to the homeless and seniors to helping children and teens learn their lines and fine-tune their vocal performances in the organization’s theater program. Bell currently serves as a board member, providing experience, dedication, and leadership to the organization.

In addition, Bell is a part of the youth staff with the Greater Morning Star Apostolic Ministries and previously volunteered as a victims’ advocate for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center. In this role, she provided emotional support, accompanied victims to medical appointments, and coordinated with medical staff and families as needed. “I believe that volunteering is an avenue by which we can express compassion and love of Christ toward others,” shares Bell. “It is my way of showing gratitude.”

Bell is finishing her bachelor’s degree in human resource management at UMGC.

Catherine Pearson is passionate about volunteering and serving others to foster personal, professional, and spiritual growth. A military veteran, an alumna of UMGC and North Central University, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, she fulfills her passion by coaching and mentoring students.

As a mentor through UMGC's Community Connect, she helps students align their career paths with their personal interests, providing guidance and business strategies. She has also volunteered at UMGC’s Career Fairs, sharing résumé and interview tips.

Beyond UMGC, Pearson is active in local organizations. She is the vice president of Texas Business Women of San Antonio, where she creates an environment in which women can thrive through education, networking, and community outreach. She also serves as a mediator for the local justice of the peace courts. In addition, her service on the Community Resiliency and Health Promotions Council and involvement with children's centers and charter schools reflect her unwavering commitment to her community.

Pearson’s journey in volunteerism began in high school when she assisted students with academic challenges. Of her mission to volunteer, she says, "I understand the struggle, and I loan my heart to the world by serving people in need of a better life experience."

Catha Marie Stewart enjoys volunteering for her church service activities and UMGC alumni events. She often volunteered for the alumni fundraising telethon when it was held in Largo, Maryland, and loves helping out at UMGC commencements.

She also supports her fellow alumni at Prince Georges Community College, where she received her Associate Applied Science Degree in Forensic Science Technology. Since 2008, she has managed student and faculty administrative matters for the Weekend College Program, currently on a part-time seasonal basis.

One of Stewart’s dreams was to work for University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). She began her career with UMCP in 2006 in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After earning her associate degree, she took advantage of the tuition remission program to study at UMGC, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Investigative Forensics in 2013. Later, she completed a Leadership and Management certificate program through tuition remission.

Now a program manager at UMCP, Stewart oversees administrative functions for various scientific research programs associated with the Institute for Physical Science and Technology within the College of Mathematical and Natural Sciences. She is a nominee for the 2024 Employee MVP Award for successful leadership in a postdoctoral fellowship program that awards tuition remission to students conducting research collaboratively with UMCP and advisors at the National Institutes for Health for the Partnership in Integrative Cancer Research.

Throughout Stewart’s career, she has been able to pursue her educational goals by having employers pay for classes. She delights in seeing students’ academically successful outcomes from tuition benefits because she gets to witness their dreams come to fruition.

Stewart is a fraternal twin and a Maryland state public notary for Prince Georges County.

In the past five years, Nia Luckey has volunteered for a number of organizations, including the Information Systems Security Association, Kennesaw State University, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the CyberSafe Foundation's CyberGirls Initiative.

As a career mentor in the cybersecurity field, Luckey provides mentees with guidance and support to help them achieve their career goals. In 2023, she has assisted more than five mentees on their journey to their next career milestones. Her one-on-one mentoring, résumé review, interview preparation, and interactive podcast sessions have proven to be instrumental in helping her mentees succeed. Through the CISO Mentor Program at Kennesaw State University, Luckey helps graduate students enter the workforce and provides invaluable insights about breaking into the industry and navigating the path to success.

“Through my military service, I learned that selfless service is a core component of a great leader,” said Luckey, who is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity management and policy. “The idea of giving oneself without expecting something in return is lost in a society fueled by transactional relationships. Voluntary contributions become a critical component of selfless service, embodying the spirit of empathy and solidarity.”

Luckey’s unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions have profoundly and positively affected both the organizations she serves and the communities they support.

Diane Monn volunteers at Second Alarm Brewhouse, a nonprofit company that operates as a coffee house during the day and a speakeasy at night to support volunteer firefighters in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Using the skills that she learned while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Monn serves as the membership manager of the speakeasy. In her role, she maintains the roster of more than 500 members, processing renewals and sending out mailings. She also handles the organization’s donations for memorial bricks.  

“I volunteer at Second Alarm Brewhouse because I believe in their mission to bring awareness and recruitment to the volunteer fire service,” shares Monn. “Recruiting for the volunteer fire service will increase the number of firefighters and EMTs in neighborhoods and help reduce wait times when people need help.”

Donald Hogge, a Marine Corps veteran, has volunteered as a law enforcement officer with the Bel Air Police Department since 2017. As a member of the volunteer Bel Air Auxiliary Police, Hogge responds to accident scenes, engages with children at community outreach events, mentors youth in the police explorer program, and covers much-needed patrol shifts over the holidays. Despite the risks associated with the work, Hogge is passionate about the impact he makes in the community. Because of his commitment, Hogge was awarded the Critical Incident Service Award by the Bel Air Police Department.

“Volunteering with the police department has given me a chance to serve with purpose in a role that can truly make a difference in the community,” shares Hogge. In addition to his service at the police department, Hogge is a Cub Scout assistant den leader.

At UMGC, Hogge was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Management Studies in 2018 and is working on his master’s degree in Management with a specialization in Homeland Security Management.

After observing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the elderly community, Jordan Derby and his wife started an organization called Our Futures Past. Founded in memory of his grandmother, Our Futures Past works with families and youth organizations to coordinate events to support the senior community in and around Anne Arundel County, Maryland. In July, the organization held a “retro movie” night for a senior center, and they are currently planning another event at an assisted living facility, at which volunteers and residents will pair up to create paintings on canvas.

Derby hopes that the organization will not only help the elderly but build a bridge between youth and seniors so that both communities can benefit, each gaining wisdom and understanding from the other. His next focus for the organization is developing a two-tiered junior support volunteer commitment program, called OFP Role Models, which would enable 15- to 18-year-olds to engage with the senior community and gain experience in areas such as event-planning, graphic design, nonprofit management, and other career paths.

“I volunteer because I believe the best way to make the world better is by serving those in your local community,” shares Derby. In addition to running the organization, Derby is a father to three, a Navy veteran, and a graduate of UMGC’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology program.

Abigail Stabile is an MBA student, mother of two, wife, Navy Reservist, and a volunteer within her community in Guam. Her volunteer service includes working with Friends in Need once a month to provide a meal for the homeless community; assisting in the Children’s Ministry at her church; and helping at the Harvest House, an organization that supports Guam’s foster children and families. Recently, she donated backpacks for their Back2School event.

In May, Stabile volunteered to help respond to Typhoon Mawar with her unit, Defense Coordinating Element West, Guam. For more than two months, she worked closely with other organizations (such as FEMA and Army National Guard) and served as the Admin Leading Petty Officer for her unit and the J1 for the response.

Stabile experienced childhood trauma that she was able to escape as a teen because other family members took her in. “I could have easily been in the foster system or homeless, but I wasn't because I had someone that loved me and was willing to make sacrifices for me,” said Stabile. Seeing others care for her well-being has prompted her to be grateful for what she has, to count her blessings in life, and to give back to help others in need.

Merry Meyer, an undergraduate student majoring in management studies, has a long history of volunteer service. Currently, she serves on the board of two organizations that focus on the well-being of animals—SnipWell, a vet clinic that provides spay/neuter and wellness care at a reduced cost, and the Bichon Frise Club of America, a club that promotes responsible breeding and ownership of the bichon frise dog breed. In her roles with the organizations, Meyer helps to organize fundraising and development events. She also has helped the dog rescue arm of the Bichon Frise Club as a volunteer for its events and as a foster mom for the rescues.

In addition to her dedication to animals, Meyer has served on the board of her homeowner’s association and volunteered at the local school as well as for other organizations. In her Maryland hometown, she was one of the founding members of Frederick’s Bike Night Series, a fundraiser dedicated to helping local families who are struggling with high medical costs because of serious illnesses. In her current community in Charlotte, North Carolina, she hosts an annual “Party with a Purpose” Christmas Open House to benefit the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Explorers Toy Drive, the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, and SnipWell. More than 500 toys and bikes and 1,500 pounds of food— along with monetary donations and supplies for SnipWell—have been donated through this event.

“Volunteering helps me connect with my community and people with similar interests and offers unique experiences,” says Meyer. “Supporting different organizations helps me discover hidden talents, broadens my skill set, and expands my network. It just feels good to help!”

Edwin Williams served on the 12-member UMGC Student Advisory Council (STAC) from January 2021 to May 2023. Shortly after starting his first term, he was nominated as the vice-chair, a position he held throughout his tenure. As a STAC representative, Williams attended monthly meetings and provided feedback to multiple staff members around the university on various projects and changes that affected students.

Based on his own first-year experience at UMGC, unaware of the power of having a success coach or the Golden ID program, Williams hopes that his service helped prevent students from being left in the dark. “I always felt a sense of accomplishment every time the council met to address problems that affect the entire UMGC student community,” he shared. “Some of the issues that the council deals with may seem insignificant to one student but very significant to another, and we did not take them for granted, thanks to a great STAC team and superior coordination.”

Initially from Ghana, Williams moved to Maryland after living in England and Canada. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity Management and Policy.

Saresa Pleasant is passionate about helping others see their potential and step into the profession they were called to pursue. Her career with the federal government, spanning 27 years across five agencies, has prepared her to share with others how to move up the career ladder through self-determination and a desire to succeed. Currently employed with the Department of Homeland Security, she is a mission support specialist with a specialization in workforce management.

Pleasant earned her AA from the Community College of Baltimore County–Dundalk, BA from the University of Baltimore, and graduate certificate in Leadership and Management from UMGC. She is a member of the National Résumé Writers Association and the Society for Human Resource Management. She has also been an active member of Toastmasters since 2003 and earned a Distinguished Toastmasters award in 2016.

In 2012, Pleasant and a former coworker founded SISTAS Thrilled About Reading. Featured in the Baltimore Times, this community-based book club builds a bond of sisterhood at monthly discussions that motivate and empower every member. Through fundraising efforts and donations, the club has awarded book scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Baltimore area and donated toiletries to homeless women.

Pleasant dedicated her time to UMGC’s Career Fair in March 2023, working with current students who were participating in the fair.

Aiden Allred, a full-time servicemember in the Army, is also a father, a student, and a volunteer. In December 2022, Allred started volunteering for the Crisis Text Line. In this role, he assists people through times of crisis, having text conversations on sensitive, personal topics. During those conversations, Allred provides texters with resources to help them gain long-term coping abilities. As of early March, Allred has helped 32 people through the Crisis Text Line. He is also a blood donor and likes to help his community in other ways when the opportunity arises.

Allred, who completed his Associate of Arts degree at UMGC in fall 2022 and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance, shares his love for helping people. “Whether it's serving my country, donating blood, cleaning up trash in my community, or spending time on the crisis line, I genuinely love helping others and knowing that what I do makes a difference.”

Anyone can reach out for help by texting “HOME” to 741741.

Jessica Johnson, an undergraduate student in UMGC’s Asia division, is passionate about helping expanding families get the support they need. She has been volunteering with the American Red Cross for the past year, helping deliver Baby of the Month items to the naval hospital in Yokosuka each month. Johnson also volunteers as a lactation support educator for expecting mothers at the hospital, as well as with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, where she serves as a Budget for Baby instructor and occasionally helps with the postpartum support group. Johnson volunteers while also balancing a course load as she pursues her associate degree in general studies.

“I take pride in serving military families and being part of an extraordinary community of people who never hesitate when it comes to lending each other a hand,” shares Jessica. “To volunteer is to serve others.”

Clifford “Cliff” Timpson recently volunteered at UMGC’s Winter Grad Walk. He spent two days greeting graduates and their families; celebrating the class of 2022; and sharing information about the UMGC Alumni Association, its benefits, and its resources.

“This was the first time I was able to be on campus and see an event dedicated to graduation on this level,” Timpson said. “It was a unique and personal experience for thousands of grads. I was able to witness an engagement on stage, see a mother and her baby with matching caps and gowns, and meet staff members I only communicated with virtually.”

The time and effort Timpson dedicated to Winter Grad Walk exceeded the expectations of his role and were surpassed only by the joy and pride he displayed for each graduate he met. His enthusiasm and energy were contagious.

Kai Corkery, an undergraduate student pursing a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, gives back to his community by volunteering at the New York Blood Center. Corkery helps donors after they have their blood drawn, encouraging them to stay for a 15-minute observation period, offering snacks and beverages, and requesting additional assistance when someone feels unwell. He has been volunteering at the blood center an average of four times a month since June 2022. He is also planning a blood drive at his church.

Corkery believes that volunteering is an important part of gaining a clear view of our community. He said, “I volunteer to avoid the pattern of absorbing headlines and believing they describe our world. We must engage in our communities and change our perspectives. Then we can perform actions that benefit others in tangible ways.” 

Brandon Sutan is an avid volunteer in his community at Fort Carson, where he donates his time to several organizations. He is a youth mentor through the Travis Manion Foundation, developing future leaders by providing guidance and teaching life skills. He also volunteers with the Fort Carson United Service Organization (USO), where he opens/closes the facility, makes sure it stays clean, and serves food to other active-duty servicemembers. As an ambassador for Mission 22, a program that supports veterans and their families, Sutan runs information booths and coordinates with state and regional leaders in planning and executing events. Through the Fort Carson Army Volunteer Corps, he helped set up and direct the first-ever Fort Carson Pinewood Derby. Sutan hopes that other soldiers will see him volunteering and follow his lead.

His service also extends beyond his local community. Sutan is an active member of the CatchaFire website community, which matches skilled volunteers to nonprofits to help them increase their capacity and achieve their missions. His work at nonprofits, where he taught others ways to use funding more effectively, saved those organizations more than $15,000.

Sutan, who is pursuing his associate degree at UMGC, believes that “any positive impact you have on someone’s life can ultimately change their future.” 

When the opportunity arose, Ebony McArthur chose to run for the Student Advisory Council (STAC), knowing that her unique perspective as a student who participated in multiple degree programs at UMGC would be valuable in a role that represented the student community. McArthur began her studies at UMGC in 2016 and has since earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA. She began her service as a graduate representative on STAC in January 2021 when she entered the doctoral program in business administration.

In addition to serving on STAC, McArthur has also volunteered for various student panels, an experience that has enabled her to share the student experience directly with UMGC leadership. She has also been a member of the University System of Maryland Student Council since September 2021.

“Volunteering is extremely important to me because it gives me a sense of community and the ability to work with others,” shares McArthur. “It means sacrificing your time and sharing your knowledge to aid others, which is what I love to do. I’ve always loved to learn, and I’ve always loved teaching and sharing my experiences.”

McArthur is owner of McArthur Realty Group and a financial literacy coach.

Marco Avecilla recalls how his father told him about almost becoming a priest when he was younger. In the end, his father followed his heart. “It is about choices and whatever that choice is, it must come from your inner soul,” recalls Avecilla. “I volunteer because of his principles as a servant leader.” At UMGC, Avecilla volunteers through his role on the Student Advisory Council, first as the undergraduate European division representative and then as an undergraduate stateside representative. 

Avecilla has served on the council since summer 2020. Often staying up past midnight to attend meetings in Europe, he provided valuable feedback, representing military students. In 2021, Avecilla became the secretary for the council, a position he held until June 2022. Avecilla completed his Bachelor of Science in Accounting this month. 

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Avecilla was awarded Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Air Force Meritorious Service medals, Air Force Commendation medals, Air Force Achievement medals, and NATO medals. 

“I volunteer because it is the right thing to do. Giving back to the community gives me a sense of humility and that there’s hope for humanity,” says Avecilla. “Just like my father left me with kindness and the legacy that I should be a model for others to follow.”

Alexandra Alexis believes in the power of celebration and helping others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognized the importance of celebrating each course that took her closer to her goal. Nothing stopped her, and in May 2021 she earned her bachelor’s degree in social science from UMGC. When she heard about the UMGC Spring Grad Walk and how 2020, 2021, and 2022 graduates were invited to walk, she wanted to celebrate this milestone with her fellow graduates. Instead of walking herself, she signed up to volunteer on both Saturday and Sunday, spending her weekend welcoming new graduates to the alumni community. Alexis believes “It is important to make time to motivate and encourage others to be successful and want to accomplish so much more!”

“I had a great time cheering for the new graduates. I know how much these graduates and their families have overcome to achieve this,” shares Alexis. She has also overcome challenges to achieve her education. With a focus on her passion for helping others, she returned to UMGC and is pursuing her Master of Science in Healthcare Administration for a career in healthcare.

“It was not a question of whether I would be there to volunteer,” says Alexis.  “Volunteering is good for the heart and soul.”

Nicole Bryant, an alumna who completed both an MS in Health Care Administration and an MBA at UMGC, volunteered for the university’s annual career fair in March. The career fair is a large event designed to help match students with potential employers, and it relies on volunteers to provide both parties with a high-quality experience. “UMGC has given me an opportunity to share my talent and skills with other alumni and students,” says Nicole, who mentors new employees at her job at MedStar Health.

Bryant has been a volunteer her entire life. As a child, she helped to put together food bags with her grandmother at their church to feed the homeless. Growing up, she continued to volunteer at local shelters and churches in their outreach initiatives. As an adult, Bryant has mentored new employees, helping young professionals become managers, directors, and vice presidents. She also helps at her church, in her neighborhood, and at her daughter’s school, and she serves as treasurer and a mentor in the Greater Maryland Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.

“Volunteering is something everyone should do,” Bryant said. “Either on a small scale or large scale, volunteering is the backbone of success for many people and organizations. Someone helped me to be successful, therefore I believe I must help the next person.”

Keairra Adams makes volunteering and helping others an integral part of her life. “One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time, for we can never get it back,” she said. Adams volunteers at various organizations, from her church, where she serves as an outreach ministry member, to local service organizations, where she participates in a number of events, including food drives, visits to rehab facilities, recycling initiatives, reading time at childcare centers, and women’s empowerment activities.

While she was a student, Adams became a member of multiple honor societies, and she has given back to them by volunteering to serve on their scholarship committees. Most recently, she participated in the fall 2021 induction ceremonies for UMGC’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the premier honor society for adult students in higher education.

As a recent alumna of UMGC, Adams signed up to mentor new students in 2015, helping them adjust to the university and checking in on them throughout the term. She continued to help students until the mentoring program ended in 2016. She has also volunteered for UMGC’s annual virtual career fair.

Adams said, “My favorite quote is ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has.’ I aspire to be one of these world-changing individuals and pray that I've blessed at least one person in my years of volunteer service. It is my sincere honor and pleasure to continue forevermore.”

As a child, Barbara Archer learned firsthand what it is to rely on the kindness of others. She now feels fortunate that she was able to overcome the obstacles she faced to support herself and her children but is aware that not all people have had the same privileges she had. Therefore, Archer takes on volunteer roles when she has the opportunity in hopes of helping others.

For the past year, Archer has served as the executive chair of the UMGC Student Advisory Council. As chair, Archer plans and leads the monthly meetings, coordinates with UMGC staff, and communicates with fellow students. She hopes that she can make a difference in advocating and being the voice for the student body. She has also participated on the development committee for a new mental health advocacy student organization.

In 2000, Archer acted as the chaplain at a correctional facility. As chaplain, her main duties were to administer, supervise, and perform work in a program of spiritual welfare and religious guidance for inmates.

When asked, “How can one person open the door for someone else?” Archer said, “We all walk unique paths, and our own experiences shape how we view the world. You may think of yourself as an underdog, but just think how you can use your sphere of influence to help the next underdog be successful.”

Archer is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in legal studies in the hope of one day becoming an attorney so that she can continue to help others in a new role.

When Rachel Jones heard about the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program with NASA, she embarked on a yearlong project to help local students participate. Her efforts included reaching out to schools, completing an application, designing a curriculum, teaching students, and coordinating a large-scale event. She also coordinated with local radio clubs to ensure that they had the technology needed to communicate with the International Space Station.

Throughout the year, Jones helped the students learn about various STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) topics. “As a STEM mentor, I understand the importance of establishing a love of science at a young age,” Jones said.

As a result of her efforts, ten students from Savannah River Academy in Georgia were able to talk to an astronaut on the International Space Station on December 10, 2021. More than 200 people attended the event in person, and—thanks to Jones’s coordination with the local community—more than 2,000 others were able to watch the live stream.

Jones feels that her experience was well worth the hard work. “If there was one thing I learned from this experience, it's to make others tell you ‘no’ rather than stop yourself from trying,” says Jones. “Savannah River Academy was a small school . . . , but we developed a program and put forth an application. We didn't let the size of our community stop us from trying. Together I think we accomplished something amazing.”

Jones worked on the project while also pursuing her own studies in the computer networking and cybersecurity program at UMGC.

Master Sergeant Joseph Jolley, USAF, is an avid volunteer in his military community. While finishing up his bachelor’s degree in business administration, he serves on the Wright-Patterson AFB Top III, an organization dedicated to improving the health, morale, welfare, and discipline of all enlisted airmen. Under the leadership of Jolley and the executive committee, the Top III has offered 16 professional and personal development courses to the base workforce, presented monthly awards to outstanding airmen, presented four scholarships to further airmen education, coordinated two senior enlisted release parties, and hosted an induction ceremony. Top III also recruits volunteers for 10 local food banks.

Jolley also serves as an advisor with Diversity Cyber Council, Inc, a nonprofit organization that serves disadvantaged communities by enabling the education, training, and staffing of underrepresented groups in cybersecurity fields.

Over the years Jolley has been part of different nonprofit organizations wherever he lived. “It’s part of the life. I joined [the military] to protect and serve,” he said. “I serve the community I am in. If that community is in a different country, it is still my community. I try to live by the ‘high tides rise all ships’ philosophy. Rising others rises us all.”