Service Part of Daily Life for Graham

Although some might view her volunteering record as extraordinary, Janet Graham, sociology, anthropology and criminology department administrative secretary, believes she is just an average citizen doing what she can to improve the world.

“My general philosophy of community service revolves around the notion that if everyone simply gave a little time to help others, we would see tremendous accomplishments,” said Graham. “I take great pleasure in helping others, even if it is in a small way.”

Graham’s history as a volunteer is a diverse one, beginning in the late 1970s when she worked with special needs classes in the Iowa public school system. From 1995-2001, Graham volunteered behind the front desk of the Dove Clinic in Michigan, a free medical care facility for the underinsured. In 2000, she traveled to Guatemala
on a medical mission trip and spent the week assisting an oral surgeon treating patients who normally would not have had the opportunity for such care. Most recently, Graham traveled with a group to Diaz Ordaz, Mexico, to help construct a new orphanage facility.

“Janet has a very impressive and extensive service record both at the university and in the community,” said Dr. Karl Kunkel, sociology, anthropology and criminology department head. “Her volunteer work with various needy and underprivileged populations demonstrates a generous and concerned character. She has an earnest desire to help people who need help, and is willing to go far out of her way to provide this assistance.” Graham continues to be involved with community service organizations too numerous and varied to list, lending her time and efforts to everything from painting and cleaning public school buildings to organizing and running a special needs program
at her church for young adults with Downs Syndrome; from helping elderly homeowners as part of the Handyman Project of Springfield to working at least once a month at the Victory Mission.

“If money and time were no issue, I’d do more traveling,” Graham said. “I’d go back to Guatemala and help with another medical mission endeavor. I’d go back
to Mexico and be thrilled to see children running in the hallways of the home in Diaz Ordaz. For now there are so many needs here at home that I’ll do my best to stay
busy right here.”

by Ingrid Bohnenkamp, university communications student writer