Student Affairs puts volunteerism at the heart of its mission

By Juanita P. Fain, Ph.D.

April is National Volunteer Month.  This is a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering.   It is also a time to honor the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes. 

Within the Division of Student Affairs we have a rich tradition and spirit of volunteerism among students, faculty, and staff.  Volunteerism and community engagement are the core values of the Department of Service Learning & Leadership (unlv.edu/sll).  A noteworthy organization within the department is the UNLVolunteers.  This is a student led organization whose mission is to encourage civic engagement and positive social change by providing and promoting meaningful service opportunities for UNLV students, faculty, and staff (unlv.edu/sll/service/unlvolunteers).

Similarly, the Department of Student Involvement and Activities has a strong focus on volunteerism through leadership and community building for the students they serve. 

Certainly the Student Wellness Center team often volunteer their time and services to support the entire campus community regarding our physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational environmental and intellectual health.  The giving of their time and services couldn’t be more evident than during the last two years of the pandemic.

The Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach promotes volunteerism among the staff and the 25,000 Clark County students who they serve.  At the same time, The Center relies on their community partners to serve as volunteers and mentors to these students to inspire them to be successful and thrive.

Moreover, the Top Tier 2.0 Strategic Plan theme of Community Partnerships supports the advancement of volunteerism within the community. 

To all of these entities and to the many other campus and community volunteers I want to acknowledge and thank you.  I know you don’t necessarily have the time to volunteer but you have the heart and the spirit to do so. 

Winston Churchill said, “You make a living by what you get.  You make a life by what you give.”  I am sincerely grateful to all of the volunteers at UNLV and in the community for what you give.