Why Volunteer?

by R. Norman Megginson
Dads Association 1st Vice President

I'm so glad I said "Yes."

Our daughter was preparing to "move on" from our small town and small high school to the "campus life" at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Upon our first visit to the campus, it seemed so large, so many people, so many classrooms. How would our daughter find her way to class? How would she adjust to living with three girls in one room? She had always had her own room, which never seemed big enough in her view. While most students come from larger cities and school districts, the challenges facing families and students are similar --- being away from home and letting the student grow.

During one of our first visits to campus, I became aware of the Associations'. The sign outside the tent said "Dads Association"; inside were men setting up tables and chairs. I knew how to do that, so I offered to help. By the end of the day, I had been asked if I would like to join the Dads Association. Even though I didn't know anyone or just what the Dads Association did or meant, I said "yes." There are many opportunities for both parents to be on campus (see "Parent Volunteer Opportunities" in sidebar). These events put parents close to their student and students are included in all activities for a family get-together. Students don't feel like they have "helicopter parents." Their independence can grow, but if help is needed, we are close.

Our daughter will be a senior this year. Over the past three years, I have enjoyed working with the Dads Association. This relationship has allowed me to meet many parents and students from within Illinois, other states and other countries. Most important of all, these events have helped to keep our family in touch and maintain a closer family relationship.

Again, I'm so glad I said "YES"

Keeping in Touch-- Advice from an Out-of-State Parent

by Robyn Soldner
Moms Association Director from Oakton, Virginia

It was a hot August morning and I was sitting with other U of I parents and their freshman students in an upstairs Illini Union meeting room. Most of the families in attendance were from out-of-state, some even from overseas. Due to logistics, this group waits until August to come for Summer Registration.

Attention was high, everyone trying to take in all that was being presented. As a U of I alumni and wife of an alumni my learning curve was not as steep as for others. Part of the registration was a panel discussion on campus life from the perspective of current students and parents. I remember Nan Rutledge, current Moms Association president, sharing real-life experiences, I found her advice invaluable.

The advice I had given my student upon arriving at U of I was, get involved. To really experience what U of I has to offer, get involved. Well that same advice holds true for parents. Taking my own advice I joined the Associations that day. Now almost two years later I am on the Moms Association Board of Directors. The exchange of information and the support the Association provides makes me feel more a part of the U of I community even though I live thousands of miles away. Get involved, you will feel connected and experience the depth of what U of I has to offer. There are so many volunteer opportunities, such as: the Craft Table at home football games, Conference for Illini Parents, Spring Retreat, Summer Registration, Admitted Student Days, Moms Weekend, Dads Weekend, Board of Directors, and more.