RELEASED: Dec. 18, 2003

DANVILLE, KY—Becky Barrick, a junior from Danville, has been named Centre's November Volunteer of the Month in recognition of the time and energy she devotes to a number of service projects.

As a Bonner Leader (a campus community-service group), a member of C.A.R.E. (Centre Action Reaches Everyone), and philanthropy chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she inspires others to enthusiastically embrace the spirit of service.

Barrick, a biology major, has worked in the Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. She also assisted with after-school programs through the local housing authority, and collected money and food for Hunger and Homelessness Week. But the work she does for the Humane Society is closest to her heart.

"Once a semester I bring some puppies to campus to raise awareness of the Humane Society and collect donations," she said.

Donations can take the form of supplies for the shelter, money or sponsoring a kennel, as her sorority was able to do through their annual Crush fundraiser.

"We went door-to-door selling [Orange] Crush soda to be sent to friends around campus. It was a big success. We raised enough to sponsor a kennel and to send to other charities."

Barrick is particularly excited about a service day she has planned for January. Small groups will volunteer at various sites in the community—the first of what she hopes will become an annual event.

"I couldn't do any of these wonderful things without all the support from others," she said. Kappa's philanthropy wouldn't be this strong if not for the enthusiastic members. And members of Bonner and C.A.R.E. are always there to help with a smile."

The volunteer award program at Centre recognizes some of the many students who provide service to the local community. Each year, around 60 percent of all Centre students become community volunteers. The College encourages volunteerism with a community service day each year as part of the orientation for first-year students.

"Centre has provided me with so many opportunities to volunteer," Barrick said. "I've gotten to serve in a variety of ways and I've learned how important service is to me. Because of my service experiences at Centre, I know that no matter what I do in the future, service will always be an important part of my life."

For more information, contact Trina McFarland, assistant director of student life for service and leadership development, at (859) 238-5479 or e-mail mcfarlnd@centre.edu.

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