DU Good Month

“Volunteering is important to me in my quest to be an active member of my community as well as my purpose to be of service. In my years of volunteering since high school, I have given my time, treasure, and talents to a number of organizations and truthfully, it feels good to do so,” says Crystal Everett, a 2010 Drake graduate who earned bachelor’s degrees in public relations and sociology.

A volunteer since high school, Crystal began serving as a mentor in the Kansas City Public Schools system in 2018, and intentionally asked to be placed with a student at her former elementary school.

“The impact of mentoring is immeasurable and I know that even by spending one lunch period per week with a student helps them to build additional positive relationships with support adults,” says Crystal.

Crystal now works for the Kansas City Public Schools and says she is honored to continue to be of service in this capacity.

“My advice to those considering volunteering is to not underestimate their impact,” says Crystal, “I encourage people to support organizations and causes they care about and sometimes, it takes trial and error to figure out what that is.”

For Crystal, that has been about being of service to the people and places that have provided something for her and her family.

Crystal leads the organization of DU Good Day for the Kansas City Regional Alumni Board. Last year, she engaged the group in a volunteer experience at her daughter’s child care facility, United Inner City Services—St. Mark Center. The group donated art supplies and spent time creating decorative aprons for teachers, along with words of affirmation that are still posted around the building for children, teachers, and staff to see.

Crystal also supports Drake in other ways, volunteering for admitted student open houses, serving on the Black Alumni Reunion committee, and supports anything the School of Journalism and Mass Communication asks of her.

Don Baird has been volunteering since the mid-1970s, when he got his start sponsoring a Junior Achievement Group while working at IBM. Through the years he has volunteered with many programs, from youth summer camps to a prison ministry. As his career advanced, Don, an advertising/public relations major, had opportunities to get more involved by sitting on the boards of non-profit organizations. These include being on the board of a literacy program where he served as treasurer and serving at his church as finance chair.

Don’s wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009. As a result, he got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association walk and has raised close to $200,000 over the last 10 years, and currently serves as a board chair for the organization’s Houston and Southeast Texas chapter.

“I have found that volunteering with nonprofits is a way to give back and share some of the knowledge and resources that I’ve gained throughout my career,” says Don, “There is a great need for volunteer support in so many areas. Unfortunately, far too many people do not reach out and participate, partially due to time, money, or the fact that they feel that they have nothing to offer... My advice is to find something that strikes your passion, get involved and make a difference.”

“I have a passion for building relationships, strengthening organizations, and making our community the best it can be,” says Nikki Syverson, who graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

Nikki volunteers with the ByDegrees Foundation and Orchard Place and serves on numerous boards and committees around the Des Moines metro area.

“I believe volunteering for a nonprofit organization is one of the best ways to blend skillset and passion to truly make a difference in your community,” says Nikki.

Nikki also owns a non-profit consulting firm and has over 15 years of experience with nonprofit management, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Kourtney Kirkpatrick graduated from Drake in 2018 with a master’s degree in public administration. That degree led to her becoming the fundraising director for HOME, Inc.

“Growing up I never knew exactly what I wanted to do for a career, but I always knew I wanted to help others. Thankfully, as an adult I find myself fulfilling young Kourtney's wishes as I work at Des Moines' oldest affordable housing agency,” says Kourtney.

Over the last ten years she has volunteered with several organizations including the NAACP, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.

Kourtney knows how much non-profits rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions. Volunteers assist in providing the life-changing services and help bring awareness to the organization to help drive the mission.

“My advice to anyone interested in volunteering would be: do some research, find an organization that matches your passion, and go for it! Agencies can always use additional support,” says Kourtney, “And if housing is something you're interested in, hit me up!” (kirkpatrick.kourtney@homeincdsm.org)

Carl and Connie Pietrzak have been delivering Meals-on-Wheels every Wednesday on a specific route since May 2007, averaging about 18 locations on a 20-mile round trip.

The clientele has changed over the years, but they have one woman who has been on the route all 13 years. The folks they visit are usually physically impaired and often economically impoverished. Connie and Carl view the work as more than just dropping off meals, it’s a chance to form connections.

Carl will often bring in their mail from the mailbox, the paper from the driveway and has even done minor “gardening” for a few people.

“It’s just a good feeling to be helping folks,” says Carl.

Carl has also been a longtime volunteer for the admissions and alumni teams at Drake. He has attended many college fairs on behalf of the University and is a go-to in the Houston area when it comes to student recruitment.

Lynn Place is a volunteer for the Houston Food Bank's Fresh Food Fairs, which have been taking place nearly every Saturday since May. Families line up in local parking lots before 7:00 am to receive fresh food. Lynn’s church sponsors one of these food fairs and they distribute fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and breads in bulk. Each week, about 370 families are served, representing nearly 2,000 people, over 50% of which are children. Nearly 32,000 pounds of food is distributed each week.

Lynn says it is heartbreaking to know that so many people in the Houston area are in such a bad situation. She encourages alumni in the Houston area to join the efforts to help their neighbors. If this opportunity interests you, contact the Houston Food Bank (713) 223-3700 to find opportunities in your neighborhood.

In addition to her work with the Houston Food Bank, Lynn, a 1974 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in advertising/public relations, also chairs the Houston Regional Alumni Board.