Dear Editor,
I wanted to let readers know that USM should be proud of the job its Resident Assistants did to help the kids of our community recently. Some may have noticed the Noyes moving van parked near the Campus Center for three days. It was there to gather donations for the Big BIG yard sale to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine. The event, held Aug. 26, had over 800 people come through the doors of Sullivan gym and raised $4,000 for the mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Many key partners deserve thanks for their roles in this success. We are grateful to the Student and University Life staff, Facility Management staff, Campus Dining Services, and Residential Life staff for their willingness to partner with our program. However the greatest accolades need to go to the Resident Assistants.
We knew that we were lucky to obtain the support of Andrea Thompson-McCall who coordinated the effort. What we were not prepared for, and still are amazed by, was the level of initiative, enthusiasm, discipline, focus and teamwork that was exhibited by the RA’s. It was inspiring to watch such a motivated crew of over 50 students who took ownership of the event.
Simply put, USM and their Resident Assistants’ support went above and beyond all of our expectations. Moreover, several RAs volunteered to become big brothers and big sisters. For readers who are interested in learning more about becoming a school-based mentor for this academic year, please get in touch. The presence of caring adults who we are able to introduce into the lives of kids in need, kids with considerable odds against them, are turning those kids into young adults with bright futures.
Big Brothers Big sisters of Southern Maine depends on the support of valued partners like USM that should be proud of this terrific example of community support.
Congratulations on having such a great group of students representing the university and our BIG thanks again to all.
Sam Beal
Executive Director