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Group of students and volunteers
Chad Nielsen, ’97, Angie Sallee, ’95 and ’99, Kelly Sallee, ’96, Drew Sallee, Darrell Williams, ’01 and ’03, Andrew Garton, ’08, Erica Johnson, ’02, and Danita Price, ’02, all volunteered. Photo by Kevin White

You’re invited to give back

Alumni can now join current Bears at volunteer opportunities offered around the U.S. as part of student immersion trips

January 31, 2017 by Michelle S. Rose

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Published in the January 2017 issue of the Missouri State Magazine.

The deep chocolate smell of warm brownies followed you everywhere throughout the large, well-decorated house.A crew of people wiped tables and glass surfaces, cleaning before dinner time.The conversation was mostly about Missouri State: “Did you know that building used to have a swimming pool in it?” “That was my favorite class, too — psychology of addictions is phenomenal!”

The chefs in the group had dessert in the oven, and soon would move on to making spaghetti, salad and garlic bread.

The group behind all this cooking and cleaning included MSU alumni, their family members and about a dozen students. They were gathered in Kansas City at two Ronald McDonald House properties, preparing meals for an expected 50 people. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for families to stay when their child is hospitalized.

Several alumni helping in the kitchen
Danita Price, ’02, Chad Nielsen, ’97, and Erica Johnson, ’02, put out plates and bowls. Photo by Kevin White

“When you’re dealing with a sick child, the less you have to think about, the better. Because of groups like yours who help us, parents only have to focus on their children,” said Katherine Patterson-Paronto, relief manager for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.

The meal was part of a Bear Breaks Immersion Trip, days- or weeks-long experiences offered during university breaks. Students travel to a community, volunteer and learn about social issues.

This was the first time part of an immersion trip was opened to alumni.

Why they volunteered

Hear from a few alumni at the Kansas City service event.

“My nephew had a cardiac arrest a few years ago, and while he was in the hospital his family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. We became part of the Ronald McDonald House family, and of course we are part of the Missouri State family, too. This was perfect for us.”

Angie Sallee, ’95 and ’99 (married to Kelly Sallee, ’96)

“I have always loved giving back in honor of my university. When I was a senior, I won a campus community service award. Also, I have known Kelly (Sallee) since childhood, and Angie told me to come, too!”

Darrell Williams, ’01 and ’03

“It’s fun for us as alumni to interact with students while we’re all volunteering. I found some marketing majors to talk with, which is my field. We have been where they are in their lives, and we can share some real-world experiences.”

Danita Price, ’02

“My friend Danita and I decided to sign up together. I think it’s imperative for us to give back because it puts our own lives into perspective — it gives us a moral compass. It’s rewarding.”

Erica Johnson, ’02
Kelly Sallee, ’96, his son, Drew Sallee, and Darrell Williams, ’01 and ’03, retrieve cleaning and cooking supplies from a pantry at a Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City. They were volunteering as part of a Bear Breaks Immersion Trip. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
MSU alumni and students making and serving a meal to about 50 Ronald McDonald House residents in the Kansas City area. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
MSU alumni and students making and serving a meal to about 50 Ronald McDonald House residents in the Kansas City area. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
Alex Johnson, (left), MSU director of community involvement and service and a ’12 and ’14 graduate, works with students who are preparing a meal for residents at two Ronald McDonald Houses in Kansas City. The meal was part of a Bear Breaks Immersion Trip, days- or weeks-long experiences offered during university breaks. Students travel to a community where they volunteer and learn about social issues.Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
MSU alumna Erica Johnson, ’02, laughs while talking with current Missouri State students. Alumni were invited to join current Bears at a volunteer opportunity in Kansas City, preparing a meal for residents at two Ronald McDonald Houses. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
MSU alumni and students making and serving a meal to about 50 Ronald McDonald House residents in the Kansas City area. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
MSU alumni and students making and serving a meal to about 50 Ronald McDonald House residents in the Kansas City area. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University
MSU alumna Erica Johnson, ’02, laughs while talking with current Missouri State students. Alumni were invited to join current Bears at a volunteer opportunity in Kansas City, preparing a meal for residents at two Ronald McDonald Houses. Photos by Kevin White/Missouri State University

MSU student Nicole Bates stirs spaghetti
MSU student Nicole Bates stirs spaghetti. Photo by Kevin White

Alumni will be invited to many similar service opportunities in coming months and years thanks to a collaboration between the office of community involvement and service and the Alumni Association.

“We wanted alumni to be able to get involved in a hands-on way, even if they live outside of Springfield,” said Alex Johnson, director of community involvement and service and a ’12 and ’14 graduate. “These first volunteer slots filled up so quickly that we’re excited about future trips.”

An immersion trip was scheduled for early January for Costa Rica, with a focus on eco-agriculture. A winter trip to Atlanta was expected to focus on HIV/AIDS, and students could meet an alumnus who works for the Centers for Disease Control. In March, trips will be held around the country during Spring Break.

Andrew Garton, ’08, has been an active participant in Missouri State events for years. He said these new service opportunities will add another dimension to his alumni experience.

“Volunteering as an alum is great because it has the socializing part, which is fun, but it goes beyond by helping you live up to the public affairs mission by giving back.”

Want to give your time?

US map of immersion locations

Alumni are invited to service opportunities within upcoming Spring Break Immersion Trips. Trips are being held in seven cities and focus on different facets of community betterment.

When

Spring Break is March 12-18, 2017. Alumni service events will be held at varying times and dates during this week.

Where

  • Asheville, NC
    Focus: Health/wellness of people living in poverty
  • Atlanta, GA
    Focus: Meeting needs of those in poverty
  • Chicago, IL
    Focus: Challenging perceptions about people who are homeless
  • Dallas, TX
    Focus: Multiculturalism, poverty and disparities in access to education
  • Indianapolis, IL
    Focus: Sustainability and environmental health
  • New Orleans, LA
    Focus: Community revitalization/urban redevelopment
  • Aurora, CO
    Focus: Therapeutic play and how it can help children in hospitals

If you would like to provide resources, please contact Community Involvement and Services at 417-836-5774 or by email at volunteer@missouristate.edu.

Filed Under: Events, Feature Tagged With: 2017, january, spring

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