Volunteer recognition 2008

“This institution could not exist without volunteers,” Nelson Kraybill told those who gathered for the annual volunteer recognition event at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary on March 26. He began his comments by noting the long history of AMBS relying on volunteers, evidenced by an inscription on the sidewalk between Waltner Hall and the Lambright Center that says, "Teenage Work Camp 1959."

“We have been blessed, especially recently, by the gifts of volunteers,” Nelson continued. The changes coming through volunteers range from the very visible landscaping all across campus to the nearly invisible electronic tapes in placed in each library books to facilitate a security system. “Volunteers not only help in administration and reducing operating costs,” Nelson said; “You also bring yourselves, and we are blessed by getting to know you.”

In thanks for their contributions, volunteers received a certificate and a small gift--a staple-free stapler (in keeping with the seminary's emphasis on sustainability).

Sharon Baker, a full-time volunteer in her sixth year at AMBS, coordinates the seminary’s volunteer program. She reported there were 89 volunteers in 2007; seventeen came in summer 2007 to help move library resources to the new facility; seven came through SOOP (Service Opportunities for Older Persons); four are students from Elkhart Central High School. In addition, 12 students came for one day from Bethany Christian High School in Goshen. A total of 6009.5 hours were donated in 2007, an increase of almost eight percent over 2006, Sharon noted.