Can you describe your job with development? The Office of Donor Relations assumes a critical role in building and sustaining the relationship between the donor and the University, demonstrating appreciation for the donor and creating a level of donor satisfaction that will inspire additional giving and greater support. It’s a collaborative effort with everybody on campus. No matter where it is— development, administration, students, alumni—we assist in making sure that our donors are treated with lots and lots of good Carolina thank yous.

You volunteered for Moving-in Day at Patterson this year. Have you volunteered before? I’ve volunteered maybe eight years out of nine. I’ve missed one, maybe two. It’s so much fun. I really, truly look forward to it. My child is getting ready to go to college, and I want to make sure that there’s someone there to help me move in. I’m a people person, and it’s a great way to meet people and feel like you’ve given back to Carolina.

Is that why you volunteer every year? Three reasons. I like doing volunteer work. I have so much to be thankful for. Anytime I can do something to give back to Carolina or Columbia or South Carolina, I jump at the chance. Another reason is the students. That’s the bottom line why we’re here. I think if they have a good experience from the very beginning, then they’re likely to have a good experience all the way through. And then, it’s just fun. It is just fun to see those young people so excited about this new step in their lives. It’s fun to see the parents and their reactions. I had one father from northern Virginia in a Tahoe that was packed. He said he was so proud that he had gotten everything in. Then he went to his daughter who looked at him, he said, like he was the dumbest person on Earth, and she said, “Dad, we haven’t even put my clothes in yet.” It’s fun to see what people bring.

What are students bringing today? They bring futons, refrigerators that are almost full size, computer equipment, loft beds. You just wonder what was left at home because they’ve brought it all.

What kinds of questions do you get from parents and students? Parking and safety—lots of questions about safety on campus. Another question is: How much do we owe you? That is a question we get a lot. Some also ask who talked us into helping, and they are surprised that we are volunteers.

What’s a typical Moving-in Day like? You go with a smile on your face, and wherever you can jump in, you just do it. I’d say a good portion of the volunteers, although it’s usually a two-hour service, aren’t watching their watches. You pray for it not to rain and not to be too sunny but for some happy medium of clouds and low humidity.

What would you say to people who have never volunteered before? I would say that there’s something for everybody to do and it’s a great way to understand why you are here, and that’s for the students.

Any tips for newcomers next year? Wear good shoes. Go in with a great attitude because you’ll get much more out of it than you’ll put in it. It is so much fun. If you’ve never done it before, I would recommend it highly for the camaraderie with colleagues and with the students and their parents.

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