Photo caption: Jacquie Johnson, (left) Mendel Center volunteer coordinator and interim sales & development manager, presents Lois and Vern Breuker with the 2021-22 Volunteers of the Year Award during the annual volunteer appreciation dinner and reception.
The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College hosted its annual volunteer appreciation reception on July 13. During the event, The Mendel Center honored Lois and Vern Breuker of St. Joseph with the 2021-2022 Volunteers of the Year award. They were recognized for their work from among the group of nearly 100 active volunteers.
“Lois and Vern are a dynamic team. They are always happy to do whatever volunteer assignment is asked of them. Their efforts truly enhance the patron experience at each event they work,” stated Jacquie Johnson, Mendel Center volunteer coordinator and interim sales & development manager.
The Breukers have volunteered at The Mendel Center for six years. They also volunteer with several other organizations in southwest Michigan. When they are not giving back to their community through their time and talent, they travel throughout the country in their RV
Others recognized during the reception included 18 volunteers who were awarded service anniversary pins. They are:
10 Years
Linda Adam
Candace Azevedo
Pam Duffy
Tony Duffy
Vickie Herter
Ellen Kummerl
Debbie Standen
15 Years
Brenda Bickers
Bob McMillen
Bonnie McMillen
Doug Tjernlund
Linda Tjernlund
La Verne Wilhite
20 Years
Sally Burgess
25 Years
Erna Felgner
30 Years
Heidi Krueger
Barbara Pence
Dorothy Thar
The annual appreciation event celebrates the work of volunteers who staff nearly 100 Mendel Center and community events each year and recognizes the thousands of hours of donated service that make performances and events possible.
Mendel Center volunteers are responsible for ensuring patron safety, ushering, patron assistance, and other assignments related to day-of-show operations. The volunteer corps assists with events including Mainstage performances, the annual Lake Michigan College commencement ceremony, Lake Michigan College Visual and Performing Arts department performances, The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speaker Series, Blossomtime pageants, and many others.
The Mendel Center is accepting volunteer applications for the 2022-2023 season now through the end of August. Those interested in joining the volunteer team may contact the Mendel Center Volunteer Office at volunteers@lakemichigancollege.edu or (269) 927-8700, option 3.
Posted August 02, 2022