Summer Service celebrates 40 years
Campus Times
November 14, 1997
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Summer Service at the University
of La Verne, 15 students were honored at a breakfast Saturday, Nov. 1 in
Davenport Dining Hall.
The welcome greeting was made by Don Flora, director of church relations.
He welcomed all of the students, faculty and alumni that attended.
"I think the Summer Service 1997 team, overall, had some outstanding
experiences, which caused people to risk and challenge themselves,"
said Flora.
After the prayer, people were asked to serve themselves breakfast.
Toni Castro, a junior diversified major, said, "I worked at Mountain
View Church of the Brethren in Boise, Idaho, for 10 weeks this summer. I
was asked to organize the kids. We did activities inside and outside of
the church, such as going to museums, the zoo, a park and doing arts and
crafts. I also helped organize Sunday School."
When the breakfast was over, Debbie Roberts, campus minister, introduced
President Stephen Morgan who spoke about the program and how successful
it has been for so many years at ULV.
Roberts then talked about how she travelled to the different sites to
visit the Summer Service counselors.
Since many alumni and past volunteers were present, three speakers,
Judy Georges, Myrna Wheeler and John Jones, spoke of the many opportunities
gained through working in the Summer Service program.
Sophomore, sociology major Gina Richardson worked at Camp La Verne with
supervisor Jeff Brehmeyer, camp director and ULV alumnus.
Richardson said, "I was a camp counselor and cook at camp. I learned
leadership experience when I was there. It was a good opportunity to work
with kids and I learned to cook various things, such as homemade bread and
a camp favorite, tuna noodle casserole."
Two volunteers, senior Tony Tong and sophomore Allison Moore, shared
their experiences while they were at camp this past summer.
Tong spoke about the spiritual insight he gained through the program
and how he was involved in it for two years in Washington.
Moore said, "It was one of the best experiences of my life. It
really changed my life in a positive way."
Dr. John Gingrich, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also addressed
how he has been around for 30 years to see the many people who have volunteered
throughout that time.
Also, the Fifth Annual Christian Service Award plaque presentation was
given to Michael McGinnis, camp director at Camp YMCA-Oakes in Big Bear,
Calif.
At the end of the banquet, a game called "Leopardy," was played
and questions were asked to anyone present. All questions pertained to the
different camp sites and contestants won summer service t-shirts.
Dr. Peggy Redman, associate professor of education and director of teacher
education, led the group in the Alma Mater to conclude the ceremony.
Roberts said, "It was really wonderful and inspiring to hear all
of the stories about camp."
"The brunch itself turned out to be a total success, highlighted
by great stories and added by great stories from alumni and it was also
highlighted by having alumni from recent years all the way back to the 1957
Summer Service team," Flora said.
