Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

« Back to Recent News

CU-Bloomsburg Celebrates Alumni Volunteers

Bloomsburg, PA (04/23/2025) — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg is celebrating National Volunteer Week April 20-26 with special messages of gratitude and small gifts to alumni volunteers and the faculty and staff members who invite them into the educational experience of their students.

The celebration reflects the alumni association's reimagined purpose that focuses less on the experience of generations past, and more on supporting current and future students of the university.

"Alumni associations are typically thought of as the standard bearer of tradition and nostalgia," said Lynda Michaels '87/'88M, associate vice president of Alumni and Professional Engagement. "At Commonwealth, members of our alumni association focus on volunteerism to impact strategic priorities that support our university, our students, and alumni. In this way, there is room for all types of alumni participation and engagement according to the interest and passion of each and every Bloomsburg alum."

There have been 2,771 hours logged by 479 Bloomsburg alumni so far in the 24-25 academic year and nearly 46,000 hours by 3,100 volunteers since the inception of Commonwealth's Professional U initiative in 2014. Alumni and employer volunteers are a vital part of the Professional U career community as they share with students the transferrable skills necessary to succeed in a professional environment. Alumni share their wisdom in areas such as communication, time management, conflict resolution, problem solving, dining and workplace etiquette. Volunteers also provide resume reviews, mock interviews, job shadow experiences, host career road trips, serve on alumni panels, and speak to classes and student organizations.

"Our alumni volunteer support continues to inspire our current students and helps strengthen our entire campus community," said Commonwealth University President Bashar Hanna. "Their time and expertise enrich the student experience, and their impact is found in the success of our graduates. I am tremendously grateful for the support and strength of our Husky family."

This week, the Bloomsburg Alumni Association also formally announced Jessica Harry '07M, Ed.D., special education and off-site facilities program supervisor for the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, as the 2025 William T. Derricott '66 Volunteer of the Year. Harry, who earned a Master of Science degree from Bloomsburg University in teaching exceptionalities, was chosen because of her support for pre-service teachers as job shadow and student teaching host. She has also been heavily involved in Commonwealth University's Collaborating to Assist Teacher Candidate Hiring (CATCH) Conference as a panelist and recruiter, and most recently served as an alumni mentor with the William '83 and Elizabeth Bent Leadership Boot Camp.

"I was fortunate to have mentors throughout my professional preparation and was honored to be asked to serve in this capacity. I appreciate Commonwealth University's efforts to provide opportunities to support their students in and out of the classroom."

Dr. Harry will also be recognized at the Annual Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, May 30.

"Investing in students is an investment in the future for the student and the university," said Harry. As alumni volunteers and mentors, we can provide students with real-world insight and support as they embark on the last stages of their professional preparation. I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role and to give back to the Bloomsburg community."

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out