Project Snapshot: National Volunteer Week
Celebrating Emory Volunteers
April is National Volunteer Month, making it an ideal time to highlight the dedication of Emory’s amazing volunteers. Volunteers play an important role on the Emory campus and in the community, mentoring students, serving on alumni boards, participating in service projects, and much more.
Emory is grateful to the thousands of volunteers who serve, inspire, and make the Emory community even better.
Meet Alumni Who Serve
Emory alumna encourages other alumni to be a part of the solution.
Andrea Casson 88B 93B always thought she would go to school in her hometown of Boston. Urging her to experience another part of the country, her mother suggested Emory. In 1984, Casson came to the Atlanta campus sight unseen for her first day of class. “It was the best decision my mom ever made for me,” she jokes.
After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees at Goizueta Business School, Casson developed a successful career as an executive in the wireless and information technology. “I was better prepared than everyone else thanks to my education,” she says.
Casson reengaged with Emory thanks to a chance encounter with fellow alumna Ellie Thompson 87B, who encouraged her to join the Goizueta Alumni Board. “When I joined the board, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful. Emory and Goizueta had given me so much, and this was my opportunity to give back,” Casson says.
Through her service as president of the Goizueta Alumni Board from 1998 to 2000, she restructured the board, formed working committees, and created a mentoring program. Casson then joined the Emory Alumni Association, chairing committees and serving as president. During her term as board president, Casson worked closely with President James Wagner to align and educate alumni on the university strategic plan. Casson says working with Emory’s then president was a highlight of her volunteer experience.
When Josh Newton, senior vice president of advancement at Emory, asked Casson for her help connecting Emory’s 60 Plus alumni group, she knew it was the perfect opportunity. Describing herself as “an old soul,” she teamed up with Kevin Kell 75Ox 77C, who leads the Emory 60 Plus Network. She began reaching out to these alumni and asking them what they want. Guided by their feedback, the Emory Alumni Association began delivering relevant content. Today Emory’s 60 Plus Network is highly engaged, with nearly all virtual and in-person events reaching capacity.
Alumni-volunteers like Casson make the Emory Alumni Association successful. “Andrea really challenged us to think about what’s important to alumni rather than what’s important to Emory. And we are all the better for it,” says Jennifer Crabb Kyles 98Ox 00C, assistant vice president of constituent and alumni engagement.
Casson agrees that alumni drive Emory forward. “We can be a part of the solution. It takes all of us to make meaningful programs and services for alumni,” she adds.
Get Involved
Whether it’s writing encouraging notes to students during exams or cleaning up a local park, Emory offers many ways to volunteer. Join us in celebrating National Volunteer Month and sign up for a project that’s meaningful to you!
Need some inspiration? Check out just a few of the service projects the Emory community is leading.
Emory Cares brings to life the university’s mission to serve humanity. Throughout the year, the Emory community comes together to build thriving, resilient, and caring communities. Students, alumni, family, friends, and staff and faculty members can participate in this tradition across the country and around the world. We can’t do this work without you! Let us know if you’re interested in leading a service project.
Connect with other alumni near you through Emory Networks. Whether you’re eager to engage with renowned faculty or simply craving the camaraderie of fellow graduates, our network offers many opportunities to stay involved with Emory. With networks based on location and affinity groups, you’ll find a fun way to grow your community.
Alumni can help future and current Emory students become thinkers and doers, strengthen values, develop skills, learn about teamwork, and prepare them for careers and advanced and professional studies. Share your experience through Dinner with 1¬2 Strangers, Alumni Admission Network, and Career Networking Nights.
