You could say that Darrell Park '91 started giving back to Allegheny College even before he graduated from the College with his degree in history. As a student, he served as an Allegheny Ambassador, resident assistant, member of the College Judicial Board and senior class vice president.
Now a budget information management specialist for the Office of Management and Budget in Washington, D.C., Park deals with national budgetary issues and concerns on an hourly basis. And he is certain that his Allegheny education, which emphasized intellectual creativity, critical thinking and analysis, is still serving him well.
"We are routinely confronted by puzzles to which there are no easy answers," Park says. "And the core set of skills - especially critical thinking, analysis and creative problem-solving - fostered by Allegheny help me deal realistically and logically with these situations.
"Students trained in only one field are eventually at a disadvantage because the important and lasting skills are provided by a broad education," he continues. "In our fast-paced and technological world, things change. And those with a quality liberal arts education - especially Allegheny's - are those who are truly prepared."
To show his appreciation for the ways in which Allegheny continues to serve him, Park has committed $25,000 to the College, a substantial gift for a young alumnus. "What's most important to Allegheny is commitment from its alumni, regardless of the size of a gift," he says. "This gift is significant for me because it's an acknowledgement that I have received an amazing education and continue to receive outstanding services through my relationships with faculty, staff and other alumni."
But Park admits that merely giving financially to the College isn't giving enough. He demonstrates an even greater commitment to Allegheny by donating his time and enthusiasm. Offering his real-world experience to current students, he has volunteered for the Alumni Advising and Career Connections programs and generously hosted student interns at his Washington, D.C., office through the Allegheny College Center for Experiential Learning (ACCEL).
Park has also served his fellow alumni well as a member of the Alumni Council and his Reunion Committees. In fact, as co-chair of the Class of 1991 10th Reunion Committee, he set the ambitious goal of $50,000 for the Class Gift. He encouraged his classmates to respond generously, and they did - surpassing previous records and exceeding the goal in the process. Ever enthusiastic about the College, Park commonly gathers alumni living his area for mini-reunions. He even proudly uses his Allegheny umbrella during the capitol's rainy season to show his support for the College.
Last year, this self-proclaimed "eternal fan of Allegheny," became the second youngest alumnus in Allegheny history to be awarded a Blue Citation Award, awarded annually in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service to the College.
"From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew Allegheny was an amazing and magical place," he says. And he's right. Allegheny is an amazing place - made even more magical by the dedication of its alumni.
Alumni Volunteers Are Making a Mark
A variety of volunteer opportunities exist for Allegheny alumni. Get involved with Allegheny's future students with Volunteers in Support of Admission (VISA) by representing Allegheny at college fairs or attending an "Evening with Allegheny." Serve as a mentor to and share your experiences with a current student through the College's Alumni Advising Program. Or make a difference to a current student through an array of programs through the offices of career services and community service. Even academic departments - such as computer science, English, mathematics, and athletics and physical education - have formal venues through which alumni can present a lecture, provide employment connections and share their post-Allegheny experiences. Volunteer opportunities also abound for other alumni, especially through Reunions that allow us to see friends, reminisce about college days and visit the campus again. Serving as a member on a Reunion Gift or Social Committee also allows us to give back to a place that means so much to us and has changed our lives.
Quotes:
"Volunteering my time and services to Allegheny is my way of expressing my appreciation to the College for preparing me with the knowledge and skills to succeed." - Derrick Owens '93
"We need to support the College - give back so that Allegheny can continue to produce leaders who will improve our society. We need to preserve organizations like Allegheny if our culture as a whole is going to grow and be enhanced." - Bruce McIndoe '79
"Why am I glad that I volunteer for my alma mater? I am convinced that Allegheny gave me the professional and personal boost that helped me launch my career 20 years ago." - Sandi Waite-Stupiansky '76
"We should have a sense of wanting to contribute to those who have assisted us along the way, and there is no other place I'd rather support than Allegheny." - Marty Pfinsgraff '77
