For Kelli Nielsen ’04, community service is a way of life, and this year, as president of the Alumni Association, she wants to hear others’ stories of giving back.
As a member of the Alumni Association, Nielsen has given much of herself to missions and causes, both locally and globally, and she wants to start a conversation with alumni about their service experiences.
She’s calling her vision for the dialogue the Alumni Year of Service.
“We have thousands of alumni across the country. So many alumni are doing amazing things,” she says. “I’m very passionate about service and giving back, and getting involved with the Alumni Association really opened my eyes to see what amazing and rewarding service is out there.
“When I run into classmates at homecoming, I learn they continue to volunteer and give back to people in their communities. It’s a great thing,” she adds.
Nielsen wants to hear from all alumni on what service projects they are doing in their communities, and she has a hope that perhaps alumni and students looking for service projects can join existing groups to help others.
Email your service stories to Nielsen at kellinielsen5@gmail.com with “Service” in the subject line.
Nielsen has co-taught for many “J” term classes, special courses focusing on service learning that usually take place during the January break. She and students traveled to New Orleans to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina; to Mexico to volunteer in an orphanage; and to Nicaragua to help rebuild classrooms in a very poor community. The “J” term classes combine 30 hours of service and time in the classroom.
“Westfield is offering these opportunities in order for students and faculty to give back,” she says. “There is a direct correlation between the number of service activities that students get involved in and their level of engagement on campus and in their academics; the more service projects, the higher the level of learning.
