May 2022

Welcome from Stephen Burkhart '16 '19G '22G

During my educational journey at SNHU, I learned more than the coursework — I was sparked with a passion to do something bigger than myself. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to listen to Zach Mercurio, a purpose speaker, and he said something that really drove home what “purpose” would become for me. “In the morning, don’t ask ‘What do I have to do today?’ Ask ‘How is what I’m going to do today going to impact others?’" While I had dipped my toe into the pond of volunteerism, it was at that moment when my purpose would come alive.

During the pandemic, I had a lot of time to think about how I'd continue to make an impact on others while living the socially distant life. First, I increased the amount I donate each year for SNHU Alumni scholarships. The fact that I'm able to pay it forward and help a student reach their educational journey is more rewarding than you may think. There’s a sense of greater purpose knowing that a student is working on their assignment today, relieved they can focus solely on their education — and I helped make that possible.

Another great volunteer opportunity I've started participating in is mock interviews. SNHU brings professionals together to help campus students practice interviewing with people in the field. Students gain so much from this experience, and I've been utterly amazed at how much I also got out of this volunteer moment. The best feeling is meeting all the incredible students and listening to their passions for the future. I walk away from this experience feeling very confident in these leaders of tomorrow and the incredible ways they’ll change the world.

Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” We live in a crazy and unique time in the world right now, which is why volunteering has become even more important to me. It helps erase the noise and uplift the song of sharing our gifts with others and doing so on purpose. The rewarding feeling you have after volunteering, whichever form that is in, is something that lives with you for a lifetime. I love knowing that these volunteer moments (no matter how big or small) add to the hope, kindness and humanity the world needs — and each of us has the power to contribute. Imagine the impact we'd have if we all gave just 30 minutes of our time each year to make a difference in the communities where we live and serve.

Thank you!  
Stephen Burkhart '16 '19G '22G  
Alumni Board of Directors | SNHU Volunteer

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Global Days of Service and Beyond
We're super grateful for everyone who participated in our 7^th annual Global Days of Service (GDS)! While we calculate the total number of hours and collective impact, you can still contribute to the movement in the following ways:

• Share your GDS story.
• Upload or view project photos.
• Post about your project on social media using #ServeWithSNHU.

Additionally, we invite you to virtually connect on Wednesday, May 25, from 7 to 8 pm with SNHU community members who’ve made volunteering an important part of their lives, even beyond SNHU’s GDS. They’ll discuss the organizations they work with, their experiences volunteering and how you can get involved. Learn more and register.

Spring Commencement 2022
During Spring Commencement weekend, April 30-May 1, SNHU welcomed more than 15,000 graduates from all 50 states and 46 countries into the ranks of more than 185,000 SNHU alumni worldwide. On May 14, SNHU also celebrated its first-ever immersive 360-degree virtual reality Commencement ceremony for graduates unable to attend in person. All the ceremonies are available to view in our Spring 2022 playlist.

As a way to personally welcome our new graduates into the alumni family, we invite you to share your well-wishes and/or advice for them in the SNHU Community Group on LinkedIn.

Alumni Board of Directors Applications: Due June 1
The Alumni Board of Directors is seeking dynamic leaders to help shape the alumni experience and volunteer in meaningful ways to enhance the SNHU experience for all. As a representative of the SNHU alumni community, you’ll support:  

You’re invited to volunteer with SNHU by walking in the Pride parade or helping out at one of the tables. Learn more and sign up!

Participating in Pride from afar? Tag @snhualumni to share how you’re giving back and celebrating in your community.

Nominate a SNHUper Star for an Alumni Award by July 1
The Alumni Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2022 SNHU Alumni Awards. If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their contributions to the SNHU community, please complete the nomination form by July 1, 2022.

Homecoming 2022 | Save the Date: Oct. 14-16
With all the uncertainty in the world right now, we're unsure of the logistics surrounding Homecoming 2022, but fear not — we’re still on track to celebrate this fall! Keep an eye on your inbox later this summer for information about ways to get involved. In the meantime, if you have questions or fun ideas you'd like to share, please contact us at 603.645.9799 or alumni@snhu.edu.


May Volunteer Honorees: Peter Perich '76 '85G & Martha Perich '75
Peter has been on a life-long journey of service with his wife, Martha, in the SNHU community. All the way from his days back in Phi Delta Psi through the present, he has found it extremely important to give back to those in need. Learn more about their passion for connecting with others through volunteerism!

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.

“Give love to somebody today. Allow yourself to be loved. That is your gift to the world.” — RuPaul

Back to Volunteer Newsletter Archive.