Volunteers help to enrich the University of Rochester community in a variety of ways. Over the past year, our volunteers have hosted events, inspired philanthropic support of the University and its Medical Center, served on leadership committees, and so much more. These are just a few examples of how the work of our volunteers helps make the University ever better. Explore these volunteer opportunities–and more–on our volunteer website.
Meliora Weekend
This extraordinary celebration–which encompasses Family Weekend and Reunions–features hundreds of events, thousands of attendees, and countless opportunities for volunteers to make an impact. Reunion volunteers play important roles in thoughtfully planning events and bringing their classmates back to the University of Rochester to reconnect, rediscover, and reminisce.
Simon’s Women’s Alliance
The mission of the Simon Women’s Alliance (SWA) is to provide education and support to alumnae and the broader community about women in leadership, nurture a network for Simon alumnae and students as well as raise scholarship funds for female students at the Simon Business School. Our programs, including the annual Simon Women’s Conference, facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and support to enable University of Rochester Simon Business School alumnae to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally, at all stages of their lives and careers. The group is led by the Simon Women’s Alliance Board.
Young alumni “Trails and Ales” event
The mission of the Simon Women’s Alliance (SWA) is to provide education and support to alumnae and the broader community about women in leadership, nurture a network for Simon alumnae and students as well as raise scholarship funds for female students at the Simon Business School. Our programs, including the annual Simon Women’s Conference, facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and support to enable University of Rochester Simon Business School alumnae to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally, at all stages of their lives and careers. The group is led by the Simon Women’s Alliance Board.
Clothesline Festival at the Memorial Art Gallery
An annual celebration of local and regional New York State art, the Clothesline Festival at the Memorial Art Gallery relies on the talents of hundreds of volunteers to coordinate two days of live entertainment, favorite food vendors, creative workshops, and special events
Welcome Celebrations
This past year, alumni and parents in 16 cities around the world hosted events to welcome incoming students and families to the University community. Providing the opportunity for our newest Yellowjackets to connect with one another, the success of these annual Welcome Celebrations relies on the generosity of alumni and parent volunteers.
Supporting the Wilmot Cancer Institute
The Wilmot Warrior Walk is a vibrant community event that takes place each September in Highland Park. The success of this event is due in large part to an incredible group of tireless volunteers who come together annually to raise awareness and funds for the Judy Dimarzo Cancer Survivorship Program and cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
Student Giving
Every year, students help shape the University’s future by giving back to the most meaningful parts of their personal Rochester experiences. Through volunteer groups like the Senior Class Council and Senior Giving Committee, students educate their classmates on the importance of philanthropy. This past year, the Class of 2019 truly came together and earned an astounding 62% participation in their Senior Giving Campaign!
Philanthropy Ambassadors
Emphasizing the importance of donor and volunteer support within their communities, these volunteers share personal connections, providing opportunities to demonstrate the importance of philanthropy in achieving the University of Rochester’s mission.
George Eastman Circle Councils
George Eastman Circle Leadership Councils are led by volunteers who actively strengthen the Circle’s presence throughout our regional networks and speak to the power of philanthropy in action. With the launch of two additional councils in Rochester and Los Angeles, there are now more than 90 Council members promoting annual giving to the University and its Medical Center. By working collectively to engage and steward potential and current members, the Councils are examples of the philanthropy and leadership that makes the University of Rochester ever better.
Day of Giving
More than 3,200 donors came together in May to “Fuel the First” and raised more than $2.5 million in 24 hours for the University’s annual Day of Giving. Volunteer outreach was vital to this year’s success, with hundreds volunteers sharing their stories of charitable impact on social media, amplifying the impact of the day to friends, family, and fellow University community members. Supporting departments, programs, and initiatives across the University and its Medical Center, the Day of Giving ensures the University’s continued impact on countless lives and the world.
Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections Industry Road Trips
Connecting undergraduates to alumni through industry-specific road trips helps students connect the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to real-life experience. Offered through the Greene Center, each trip asks alumni to host students at their organization while giving students the opportunity to network and understand the dynamics of a particular sector.
Regional Networks
Officially launched in 2016, University of Rochester Regional Networks connect alumni, parents, and friends through events, communications, and personal outreach. Hundreds of volunteers around the world are leading the charge as members of Network Leadership Cabinets, dedicated to bringing the University of Rochester to your doorstep, and with online communities, it’s easier than ever to connect! Social volunteers share news on local events and activities, recruit for the latest volunteer opportunities, and help raise money for University programs. Find a regional Facebook group here.
Diversity Advisory Council
The Diversity Advisory Council provides leadership and guidance on University initiatives to foster diversity, inclusiveness, and representation among our alumni community. The Council recognizes the importance of the multiple, intersecting identities that define our diverse alumni community, and works to ensure that all alumni see themselves represented within the variety of our programs and initiatives.
Global Day of Service
Global Day of Service invites University of Rochester alumni, parents, and friends to make a difference in their local communities through a variety of service opportunities led by Rochester volunteers. In 2018, more than 225 volunteers worked on 24 projects for the second annual event. Through creating and coordinating their own projects, volunteer leaders spark change in their own backyards and continue the University tradition of giving back.
Reunion at Eastman School of Music
This October, gather on Gibbs Street during Meliora Weekend to hear from Eastman alumni who are giving back to their communities not only through their music, but through their work with not-for-profit organizations. Their dedication and enthusiasm reflects what it means to be Eastman alumni.
School of Medicine and Dentistry Alumni Council
Representing all School of Medicine and Dentistry alumni, the Alumni Council provides support to the School in its mission of education, research, community outreach, and patient care. The Alumni Council enhances relationships among alumni, medical, and graduate students, offers professional development and expertise to students, graduates, and faculty, and proudly promotes the prestige of the School and its alumni.
New York Metro Women
Founded and led by volunteers, the New York Metro Women’s group has amassed more than 750 members on LinkedIn. The group’s steering committee organizes events and programs that bring together alumnae across generations, fostering solidarity among all University of Rochester women in the Metro New York City area.
Horizons Advisory Council
Horizons at Warner, hosted on the University of Rochester’s River Campus, is a summer enrichment program for low-income, K-8 students from the Rochester City School District. Aided by the generous support and guidance of volunteers on the program’s Advisory Council, Horizons prevents summer decline in school performance, develops social and interpersonal skills, and encourages participation in extracurricular activities to build confidence.
Barbara J. Burger iZone
The Barbara J. Burger iZone is a creative problem-solving space, program, and community that is designed to empower students to explore and imagine ideas for social, cultural, community, and economic impact. iZone Advisory Committee members serve as enthusiastic ambassadors and advocates for iZone, provide input and advice on strategic goals and objectives identified by the Director, and assist with iZone’s sustainability by providing or helping to secure vital resources and financial support.
Ain Center for Entrepreneurship
The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship supports the growth of entrepreneurial thinking, in part, through the expertise of alumni who have experienced both success and failure. Mentorship opportunities exist through both a student incubator at NextCorps and a National Science Foundation I-Corps Site.
