HH: What one word would use to describe how volunteering makes you feel?

Casey: Empowered.

HH: Why?

Casey: My experiences volunteering  have shaped the person I am every day. A community works as a support system for its members so I believe that giving back to the community is an essential component in being a part of the community. Being able to see the impact simple acts of kindness can have on the Manhattan College community makes me question what type of impact I want to have on others in my life.

HH: Tell me a little bit about your position as President of Manhattan College’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)?

CASEY: As the SAAC President, I had the opportunity to attend the MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) SAAC conference in Orlando this past November. During the multi-day conference, I attended panel interviews, leadership workshops and spent time doing community service. The SAAC Conference has an affiliation with the charity, Give Kids the World, which is a not-for-profit resort in Orlando Florida that provides children with life-threatening illnesses cost-free vacations. Volunteering at the children’s village was one of the most amazing and rewarding volunteer experiences that I have taken part in. Simply being able to put a smile on the kid’s faces made my day.

HH: What community service event did you enjoy the most? Why?

Casey: My favorite event last semester was the St. Baldrick’s event that we held. It was the first time we as an athletic department held an event like this at Manhattan College. We were able to raise over $4,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in just a matter of days. This was my favorite event thus far because it incorporated the entire athletic department, the coaches, the students and the administration.

HH: If another student-athlete wanted to get involved in one of these projects what would you tell them?

Casey: I would encourage any student-athletes who want to get involved to go to a SAAC meeting. We have had numerous athletes propose community service ideas and then worked with myself and the SAAC board on making these ideas a reality. For example, the St. Baldrick’s event was an idea brought to us by a SAAC member and he worked directly with the planning committee to make it the successful event that it was.

HH: What do you personally get from volunteering?

Casey: I have learned so much from my experiences in planning and participating in community service events in the Manhattan College Community. Planning service events has enhanced my event management & communication skills and through my experiences volunteering I have been able to see how all of these events benefited others first hand.

HH: What do you hope to do after you graduate?

Casey: I am currently working on my MBA with a focus in Accounting which I hope to finish up within the year. After, I am hoping to pursue a career in external auditing and working on becoming a CPA.

HelperHelper Hours:

Sport: Women’s Lacrosse

Year: Senior

Major: Accounting

Hometown: Pomona, NY

Lucky #: 2