More Giving Stories

Elizabeth Luginbill '06

As students we are encouraged to give back to the community,” said Elizabeth Luginbill, a 2006 cum laude grad. “Each of my volunteering activities gave me real-world experience and perspective that can be lacking in lives of so many young people. I learned a lot from everything I did.”

That sense of care and community is something St. Mary’s prides itself on. Many students choose St. Mary’s for its academic reputation, yet, once here, learn that college isn’t only about attending classes and maintaining good grades. It’s also about people and finding your part in the local and global community.

Beth, a Leonardtown, Maryland resident, seized many opportunities where she could help in the local community: mentoring middle school students at Spring Ridge Middle School, volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Three Oaks Men’s Shelter; and serving as a Spanish language translator for the St. Mary’s County Health Department.

"I think public service is the best job around. We serve to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. You have a chance to really make a difference - to leave something behind. To help people. That is the only reason to be in public office. This internship is an invaluable experience. Having the chance to be a part of government for a summer shows students that they do not have to be an elected official to effect change. You just need to get informed and speak up."

William Donald Schaefer
Former Governor of Maryland;
Comptroller, State of Maryland; Trustee, St. Mary's College of Maryland

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