How We Make the World a Better Place

Recently, we asked alumni to share how they make a difference. You’ll find their thoughtful responses here and on pages 16 and 17 of the Winter 2011 edition of the Washington College Magazine. We encourage you to comment and to continue to share your stories about how you improve the world.

I volunteer with Operation Ava, Philadelphia’s Downtown No-Kill Rescue, Adoption and Education Center.  My involvement with Operation Ava began innocently enough—standing in a storefront window, fawning over the small dog on the other side of the glass. This dog couldn’t have been less interested in any of the numerous Philadelphians who took an interest in him. An older dog, he was aloof in every sense of the word. It was then that I knew he was the dog for me. Two days later, we adopted Tilt. 

However I couldn’t shake the idea that there were many other dogs like Tilt who deserved a warm and loving home, so I began volunteering with Operation Ava’s Mentor Program. It’s as simple as visiting their Save-A-Life Center to walk dogs, playing with them in the backyard and feeding them treats to positively reinforce their good behavior. It’s our hope that through this informal training, the animals will react favorably when potential families approach their rooms. Tilt is now a spoiled little boy, and we’re beginning to think about our next adoption from Operation Ava. If you are interested in volunteering with this group or looking to adopt a new pet, please visit: Operation Ava. 
— Alisha DiGiandomenico ’10

I volunteer for an organization called Three Square in Las Vegas, NV. Three Square is a food bank which provides food assistance to the residents of Southern Nevada. I usually assist with their "BackPack for Kids" program, which provides a bag of nutritious food each week to children who lack adequate food over the weekend. Three Square works in partnership with Clark County School District on this project. During the school year, we pack anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 bags per volunteer shift. 

— Stephanie Evans ’93 

I volunteer with the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy translating for the Hispanic Community.  Most recently I reached out to the Hispanic population to gather their ideas and input for the Easton Point Community Project. The project is designed to get the community involved in planning an 11-acre green space in the Easton area.

— Kendall Clark '11

I’ve been a volunteer for Maryland Ducks Unlimited for the last 15 years. I have served as chairman of the Central MD Chapter, Zone 8 and publisher of the State Newsletter.  We have been a Top 100 chapter out of some 3,500 nationwide. My chapter has helped raise $850,000 to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. A vast majority of these monies have gone into the Chesapeake Bay Restoration program being conducted by Ducks Unlimited. To date, MD DU has helped conserve 52,000 acres in the state and spent almost $10 million in Maryland.

— Steven Huettner ’91

I volunteer at the information desk for Anne Arundel Medical Center, the Kent Island branch. I also assist with sales and fundraising for the local AAUW and Wye River Upper School.
— Kathleen White BA '58, MA '80

I was fortunate to grow up with parents who volunteered their time at my school and with the local fire department. My father, Jim Del Priore ’64, was a volunteer at Arnold Volunteer Fire Department. Growing up, he relayed many great stories of his time there. This planted a seed within me and, in November of 1990, I joined the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Bethesda, MD, as a volunteer. I was a very active member for 10 years. I ran calls as an EMT, drove ambulances and even served on numerous committees and as an officer. Today, I support the squad with web and tech support as well as sit on a few committees. My volunteerism has been rewarding in countless ways, not the least of which is the fact that I met my wife of 18 years volunteering at the squad. I only hope that one day my sons, now 17 and 15, will find a way to contribute to their community.

 — Todd Del Priore ’87 

After retiring from Dupont Engineering in 1991, I began volunteering. I volunteer primarily with the Kershaw County Hospital in Camden, SC. My key job has been installing LIFELINE Home Alert systems for county residents. At the hospital I have helped the Radiology Department reorganize and maintain their files. My volunteer hours with the hospital now exceed 9000.

— Vince Bacchetta ’50

Since I retired in 1997, I have volunteered at Sotterley Plantation. I started in the garden and became the co-chair of the Garden Guild.  I then became an interpreter doing guided tours and, five years ago, I was asked to join the Board of Trustees.  Elsewhere in the community, I have volunteered as a University of Maryland extension master gardener.

— Bob Aldridge '60