Marek Rivero '11 '15G '15MBA

Get to Know Our December 2017 Honoree

As a student, Marek Rivero found alumni advice to be extremely valuable. As an alumnus, he feels it's his duty to continue this tradition of giving back. His involvement has earned him the 2017 Young Alumni Award. His dedication is contagious. Hear in his own words what being an engaged member of the SNHU community means to him.

What inspires you to volunteer at SNHU?

I received a lot of guidance and advice from others at SNHU, not just professors, but staff, alumni, other students, and guest speakers. At the time, I was receiving more help than I could return, now I find myself in a position to provide assistance.  So, knowing what I know now and knowing what such guidance did for me, I do what I can to give back. To me, I'm able to volunteer and it's just what I should do.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at SNHU?

The students are always engaged and the events are well organized. Everyone is always appreciative of the efforts of all the volunteers and event organizers. I enjoy seeing students react so positively to someone answering their questions and providing advice for life after college.

What results have you seen from your efforts?

I have seen students laugh and relate to my experiences. There have been a lot of great discussions and lessons learned. I've heard that some of the students I have spoken with in a class have found my advice helpful later in life.

Did anything unexpected happen as a result of your volunteer activities?

I have won a few awards and got the chance to speak at some very interesting events, neither of which I expected to receive or be a part of. It has allowed me to be involved in other opportunities on campus, in addition to events where I was already volunteering.

Will you continue to volunteer at SNHU? Why?

Of course I will continue to volunteer! I have a lot of fun helping out and participating in new events, speaking with interesting people, and doing what I can to give back.

Will you encourage others to get involved? How?

I try to inform others of the fun and interesting people you meet as an alumni volunteer. I encourage others to share their life experience because sharing a simple story with others can change someone for the better. When I can, I invite other alumni to attend an event and just observe, with the hope of inspiring them to give back as well.

Past Volunteer Spotlight Honorees