Alumni & Friends Volunteer Newsletter

The Office of Alumni Engagement sends a quarterly e-newsletter to our alumni and friends who have indicated interest in volunteering to help the SNHU Community.

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November 2019

Welcome from guest blogger John Hankinson '92

I knew about Cumberland Wood Bank (a volunteer-run, non-profit program in Maine), as my cousin Ted was involved. About six years ago, I asked him for ideas on how I could volunteer locally. Ted suggested I show up to Cumberland Wood Bank one Saturday with him to experience it for myself. That is all it took, I was completely hooked.

I discovered I could give back to the community and have fun with it at the same time. I had a blast using all the different types of equipment (chainsaws, wood splitters, dump trailers, etc.). Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor would be proud of me for sure... Arrgh! Arrgh! Arrgh! I also found it was great way to make new connections and build new friendships with people whose goal is the same as mine — to help others in need. 

The positive impact that our organization has had on the local community has been great to see. We ask for wood donations to be delivered to our lot and we cut, split, and deliver it to either paying customers or to folks who need wood burning heating assistance. Any funds raised then go towards alternative fuel assistance, like oil, for individuals/families in need. Because of Wood Bank there has always been funding available for fuel assistance in Cumberland, North Yarmouth, and a few other areas within about 10 miles of our lot. We have been able to uphold our mission of "no one should have to choose between heating and eating".

I'm on the Wood Bank, uhmmm, “Board" and wanted to help spread the word about our amazing efforts, so I decided to get involved with SNHU's Global Days of Service (GDS). I also chose to serve as the GDS site leader, as I’m currently the only NHC / SNHU graduate who is a part of Wood Bank that lives directly in the community.

I hoped that by joining the GDS movement we would encourage some younger backs to support our cause (the majority of volunteers are 50 and over… way, way, over in some cases). With SNHU’s huge community reach here in New England, and yes, across the world, it made perfect sense for us to throw our hats into the GDS ring.

And of course, we plan on participating in GDS 2020. I hope you'll join me! (You don’t need to know how to run a chainsaw or have experience, you just need the drive to make a difference.)

Thank you!
John Hankinson '92
GDS Site Leader | SNHU Volunteer


Thank You HOCO 2019 Volunteers!
We want to send a BIG thank you to the more than 100 students, alumni, faculty and staff who volunteered over 225 hours of their time to make sure that SNHU’s Homecoming celebration was successful! From organizing regional celebrations to helping staff the Street Fair on campus, your assistance was noticed and appreciated. It would not be possible without you and we hope to see you next year! Save the date for Homecoming 2020 — Oct. 16–18.

Giving Tuesday | Tuesday, Dec. 3
Check out our social media throughout the day as we honor our amazing donors and volunteers. Join us in celebrating everyone's contributions with the hashtag, #GivingSNHUday.

Global Days of Service — Mark Your Calendars! 
Can you believe it?! April 2020 marks our fifth annual Global Days of Service (GDS), a month-long initiative that brings Penmen together from across the globe to make a difference in their local communities. Feeling inspired by John's story and want to lead your own project this April? Visit alumni.snhu.edu/gds-lead to get started.

GDS Webinar | Thursday, Dec. 12 | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Looking for some hands-on GDS guidance? During this interactive webinar, you will learn the steps on how you can get involved in GDS, hear stories from past project leaders, and have an opportunity to share ideas for service projects in your area. Register for your spot today!

Alternative Break Community Dinners | AZ, NY, FL | Mar. 7 – 14
SNHU's Alternative Break students will be traveling to Grand Canyon National Park (AZ), Niagara Falls (NY), and Lorida (FL) to learn about and address the needs of those communities. While in town, the students would like local alumni to join them for dinner to discuss area challenges. Although we are still in the planning stages in collaborating with the student leaders of each trip, you can email Alli Pudvah to indicate interest or for more information.


November Volunteer Honoree: James O'Brien ’16 ’18G
James continues to outdo himself with giving back to SNHU. He finds great value in sharing his online educational experience as well as encouraging others to join efforts to help our community. Read more about what drives James to be a SNHUper volunteer.

Update Your Volunteer Interests
Did you know you can add or change your volunteer interests at any time? Tell us what types of activities you're passionate about by visiting alumni.snhu.edu/get-involved.

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” —Winston Churchill