RELEASED: Feb. 13, 2003

DANVILLE, KY—Kevin Jones, a junior from Mount Washington, Ky., was named Centre's January Volunteer of the Month. Jones was chosen for his work with the campus' yearlong fundraiser, Up 'Til Dawn, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

Jones has already raised more than $500 through a letter-writing campaign asking for donations to the hospital, and is now collecting prizes for a raffle.

"The Up 'Til Dawn fundraiser is an exceptionally worthy cause, because it unites selfless compassion with a pursuit for excellence," said Jones, a sociology major. "St. Jude provides care for any child in need of the treatments that it can offer, regardless of whether or not the family can pay.

"Our goal is to raise money and awareness for the hospital. Our first year alone, the [campaign] generated about $15,000, which is quite impressive given Centre's size."

Although the letter-writing campaign didn't officially begin until December, Jones began writing and mailing letters on his own in the fall. He also has been responsible for recruiting several other students to join the fundraiser.

Trina McFarland, director of volunteer services, selected Jones for his dedication to this campaign.

"Kevin's passion for St. Jude and his initiative are what impress me the most," McFarland said. "He's never content with what he has achieved. Instead, he's constantly thinking ahead about what more could be done and how he can get others to share in his vision. Then, he immediately takes the next step to accomplish his goal."

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 College students become community volunteers. The college encourages volunteer service with a community service day each year as part of the orientation for first-year students.

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