Dear Denisonian‚
I have found that the best alumni volunteers give what they can give. There is no absolute one-size-fits-all model of a great alumni volunteer, and that’s the beauty of the role.
The variety of ways we as alumni volunteers can impact current students and young alumni‚ and the sincerity with which we get involved lie at the core of why we make a profound difference.
Some alumni make a difference by advising current students as they prepare to launch their lives. Others share wisdom and provide tips for addressing life’s big questions. Many alumni share gifts — financial, advisory, and experiential — to support students and the mission of Denison. In countless ways, involved alumni make our alma mater a leader in higher education.
There have been challenging and amazing moments in this institution’s life and my personal Denison journey, both as a student and an alumna. I would not trade that personal odyssey for anything in the world. My most challenging experiences motivate me as a volunteer, and I believe I have gained more from that labor of love than I have given.
My Denison volunteer experience is embodied in the lyrics written by the great Dianne Warren and sung by Beyonce in the song “I Was Here.”
“I just want them to know; That I gave my all, did my best; Brought someone some happiness; Left this world a little better just because; I was here.”
I will always be here as a proud, engaged volunteer alumna to do what I can to make Denison’s world a little better because what Denison did for me made me better. I encourage other alumni to figure out what they can do to make sure others know you were here, too. Remember, one size does not fit all, and whatever form your volunteerism takes, it will make a difference in the lives of the ones you touch.
Deidra M. Reese ’88
Vice President, Black Alumni Association
Constituent Representative, Alumni Council
