Current Fellows
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Seniors
Service is the best way to meet a new face and build a relationship. To me that is what service is all about, building together as a group and learning new aspects of life that would be hidden without it. Service allows me to connect to communities and learn new ideas by engaging with people. My first step in serving a community is engaging myself in that community and understanding their needs. Everyone can offer something special, and service is the best way to find that something. Further, service is a way of life that continues day to day. Therefore, it is important to truly care about and love the people around you because that willingness to sacrifice brings joy like no other. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi This quote is the motivation and inspiration for my service. There are so many people in this world that need assistance and often I find myself asking “why aren’t there a multitude of people helping those asking for support?” I recognize that service begins with me, and I have the power to make a positive impact in the world. I have a responsibility to those in need and I hope that through my work of service, I can be a catalyst for change. I want to inspire others to use their own gifts and talents to contribute to the transformation of a society where unity, love, and human dignity are elevated. I strive to be an example to all through my action, word, and deed so that I can make a positive impact in someone’s life. I participate in service because while it can inspire others to follow, there is always personal growth found through the process. When exposed to different communities and cultures from various backgrounds, I gain deeper insights into the world around me, and establish a greater connection with those I serve. May we always share our gifts and talents to help those less fortunate and have a willingness to be an example for all the world to see. "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali This quote truly embodies my reasoning and beliefs on working with others. I think that community service is an obligation, and you can’t say you love your community unless you are actively doing things to make it better. Being immersed in my community makes me feel like I am loving others to the best of my ability. When I interact with others, I am treating them how I want to be treated. I serve with the intention of showing and spreading love, to have an impact that shows support to others constantly. Year: Senior “World peace can be achieved when the power of love replaces the love of power." - Sri Chinmoy Kumar Ghose Practicing humble service is essential to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. Through the many stories of his ministry to others throughout the Gospels, he invites us to recognize that everyone deserves love, equity, and justice. I recognize today that this is one reason my parents have always emphasized the importance of connecting with others – not just by having a short conversation, but by developing authentic relationships. Volunteering is one of my favorite ways to do this. My introduction to the world of volunteering was at a shelter for women and children facing homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, and various mental and physical illnesses. Growing up volunteering there, I learned to treat everyone as family. Choosing the 'power of love' enables me to act with humble service towards others, and that’s where authentic relationships and 'world peace' begin. Year: Senior The idea that not all superheroes wear capes is the understanding that everyday people, rather than our stereotypical childhood superheroes, are capable of making a difference. However, it has never been the idea of a cape or mask that motivated me to take action and strive to better my community; rather, it was my honest, unending desire to serve the needs of the greater good. This calling led me to join Army ROTC, where I am training to become an officer and lead America's soldiers. My desire to serve my community now, and to serve my country in the future as an Army officer is an extension of these desires. Superheroes are the ones that help others when times are hardest, and although I'm no Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker, I know that truly anyone can make an impact equally significant. Ultimately, we don't need superpowers to serve others. We just need to be better than we were yesterday. "Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness." - Janelle Monáe Janelle Monáe's quote highlights the importance of authenticity and individuality. This ties deeply to the value of service because authentic service stems from embracing who we are and leveraging our unique strengths to benefit others. Service matters because it allows us to bring our true selves into our efforts to make a difference. By shedding the pursuit of perfection, we free ourselves to connect genuinely with others and address their needs in a way that is heartfelt and meaningful. Perfection can often be a barrier, creating distance or hesitation, but embracing imperfection enables vulnerability and builds deeper connections. When we serve others with empathy and authenticity, we foster environments where growth, compassion, and progress thrive. Our individuality becomes a tool for innovation, creativity, and understanding, helping us address challenges in ways that resonate. True service aligns with the spirit of Monáe’s message: it’s not about being flawless; it’s about being present, intentional, and willing to create a positive impact, no matter how big or small. Year: Senior "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." - Edward Everett Hale To me, service has always been a constant in my life. My favorite thing to do has always been creating meaningful connections with others, and service has always allowed me to do so. So many hardships can plague a person’s life; when you turn on the news at the end of the day and hear how much negativity surrounds today's world, it is hard to remember how much good we have in our lives. Volunteering my time to service projects has always allowed me to affirm my faith in my community and surroundings and allowed me to give back to the communities that have given me so much. No matter what circumstances, a person should never have to walk alone, and service is my way of trying to make someone's day a little brighter. “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve” - Martin Luther King Jr. For me, service is a way to connect with others. It does not have to be complicated or grand. Service is a way to lift people up simply by listening, caring, and loving. Through my service, I strive to be present and available, sharing my gifts and talents where needed, and openly receiving the gifts of others. Greatness cannot be an individual effort. It requires community. Serving one another in mutual love and respect is enacting God’s will and building the foundation for great change. 
Josh Fieger
Jordan Harris
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
Service Sites: Su Casa, Academy of World Languages, Ladies of Awesomeness, For the Life of the World Cafe, Girls on the Run
Jaiden Jennings
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Molly Kantz
Major: Social Work
Minors: Gender & Diversity Studies, Peace & Justice Studies
Hometown: Fairport, New York
Service Sites: Cincinnati Police Department – Victims Assistance Liaison Unit, Homicide Unit, St. Joe's Home
Joel Lacoste
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public
Minors: International Studies, Military Science, Levantine Arabic, Public Diplomacy
Hometown: Brunswick, Ohio
Service Sites: Adopt a Class, Cincinnati Veteran Affairs, Xavier Reserve Officers' Training Corps: Service Officer
"We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world- or make it the last." - John F Kennedy 
Jordan Madry
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio 
Macy Melero
Major: Special Education
Hometown: Fenton, Michigan
Service Sites: Children's Creative Corner, Marjorie Book Continuing Education, Ken Anderson Alliance, Weightless Anchor, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
Michael Rentmeester
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Minor: Spanish, Medical and Health Humanities
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Juniors
“Too often we underestimate the power of touch. A smile. A kind word. A listening ear. An honest compliment. Or the smallest act of caring. All of which have the potential to turn a life around” -Leo Buscaglia One will never forget the way another makes them feel. As Buscaglia mentioned, the smallest actions make the greatest impact. As I do service, I constantly remind myself I cannot fix someone nor their situation. Yet I can be a mentor, supportive, give unconditional love, reinforce a judgment-free zone, and simply listen. Service is about giving back with a pure heart. My service is about transformative relationships, selflessness, positive influence, genuine contribution, and spreading hope through the Lord as he is our savior, guide, and shield. I have always felt peace in helping and inspiring others. It’s the little things that truly change a person's life. Service teaches discipline, respect, communication, understanding, patience, and intellectual humility and I will forever take advantage of any opportunity to give back. “Love cannot remain by itself — it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.” -Mother Teresa This quote encompasses the “why” behind my involvement in the Fellowship. To me, service is about building relationships which allow me to learn the needs and goals of a community and work towards those together. Volunteering for organizations like Lydia’s House have allowed me to build relationships with people and develop a better understanding of the world around me. Service is the way in which I can act out the love I have for the people and communities around me. This quote reminds me that the love which Christ commands that I have for others has no weight without my action. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — David S. Viscott My journey to finding love for service and giving back started when I had to start playing a bigger role in caring for my brother with special needs. This is where I realized I wanted to spend all my effort and energy giving back to others. I do service out of love, not out of obligation or because I feel the need to. I have found my greatest joy in seeing the progress and success of others, my goal is to make a small impact in every life I interact with. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" -Mahatma Gandhi This quote by Mahatma Gandhi really captures what service means to me. For me, service is about walking alongside others, building relationships, and offering support in meaningful ways. I work with kids, and through that work, I’ve come to understand that service is about showing up consistently, building trust, and creating a space where people can feel seen and heard. Service is often made up of small, simple moments like sharing a smile, having a conversation, or just being present when someone needs you. These acts of kindness may seem small, but they are what create a real connection. It’s not about doing things for others, it’s about sharing in their experiences, listening to their stories, and making sure they feel valued. What I’ve learned is that service is never one-sided. The kids I work with have taught me just as much, if not more, than I could ever teach them. Through these relationships, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, others, and my community. Mother Teresa kindly reorients me by saying “not everyone can do great things, but we can all do things with great love.” Service is not something that you can just “do” service is about the posture of heart— a way of life. When we think of service, what often comes to mind is physical giving and doing in a way that seems “productive” or that comes with a tangible sense of accomplishment. However, service most often is simply loving others well and making space for others. There is no better example of service than from Jesus. Jesus honored the outcasts, spoke to women, and heard peoples stories. Jesus didn’t condemn, he instead made space that allowed for healing. It’s in the seemingly insignificant moments of listening and seeing each other that we can begin to heal. What's beautiful and astounding is the invitation that Jesus has given us to “be his hands and feet” and continue to make space that allows for the healing of wounds. My service relies on not my own strength, but the strength of Jesus. . "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." – Booker T. Washington This quote is close to my heart because of how often I work with kids. Everyday at the Boys and Girls club or Saturday Hoops I usually have a few kids following me around either trying to learn soccer from me or get help on homework but each and every day while I am helping, I also learn something new. Children are so creative and their point of view helps me to see the world in different ways and has allowed me to discover new perspectives when facing a challenge. Since starting service through the Fellowship, I have realized more than ever how the kids I serve have helped me grow just as much as I have helped them learn, and I think that's an experience everyone should have. Since joining the fellowship, I have realized how much impact service can have on both the individual and the community. A lot of my service involves working with children and mothers, and through that I have been able to build beautiful relationships with some of the most amazing people. Service allows me to take some time out of my day-to-day life as a student and pour myself into others. This is always a much-needed break from the hustle of school that reminds me that the world is much bigger than myself. My time in the fellowship has shown me that the world is full of so many trials and tribulations and the only way to overcome them is first and foremost with love. At the end of the day, the biggest difference may be made with a small action done with love. The fellowship has also provided me with an environment to surround myself with other students who share the values of community service and action. "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion" - Dalai Lama When we get overwhelmed with life, it’s important to step back and focus on one thing at a time in order to make progress. This strategy applies to service as well. While doing service, it is easy to feel like you are not making a difference with all that feels wrong in the world. In times like these, I like to step back, reflect, and focus on the small things. I think of my service as a pebble dropped into the water. The ripple my pebble makes spreads to others. Those that I serve pass on service to the next, and to the next, and so on. Although I am just a pebble, my service can make a ripple that impacts many. This also reminds me to be in service with others rather than for them because we are all pebbles working to make a difference. Lastly, I am a firm believer that what we put out into the universe we receive. Your attitude, mindset, and how you approach challenges in life determine the results and affects how others perceive you. It is important to spread positivity, love, and compassion in order to receive the same in return.
Gabrielle Clark
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Service Sites: Cincinnati Animal Care, Atrium (Lydia's House), Autism Connections, Su Casa 
Olivia Dabbelt
Year: Junior
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public, Economics
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Service Sites: Lydia’s House, Ohio Justice and Policy Center, Su Casa, and Cincinnati Squash Academy
Brendan Endre
Hometown: Northfield, Illinois
Service Sites: Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Illinois Special Olympics
Caitlyn Frey
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Service Sites: Boys and Girls Club, Saturday Hoops, Ladies of Awesomeness, Cincinnati Squash Academy
Izzy King
Service Sites: Vineyard Columbus, Saturday Hoops, Lydia's House, Evanston Academy, Academy of World Languages
Bryson Payne
Hailey Porter
Hometown: Versailles, Ohio
Service Sites: Lydia’s House, Evanston Academy, Cincinnati Squash Academy, and Freestore Foodbank
Ava Sardina
Hometown: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Service Sites: Evanston Academy, Saturday Hoops
Sophomores
"We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone." – Ronald Reagan When I first started serving, it was deeply personal. Coming to the United States as a Hispanic kid, I experienced firsthand the challenges of being in a new culture, language, and system. While I was fortunate to have some people that helped me, there were moments when I wished for a mentor, someone older and experienced who could guide me through the skills and lessons I needed. This became a driving force for me to become that person for others. Once I gained the tools and knowledge. I started by working with Hispanic kids because I could relate to their experiences and wanted to give them the support I had once needed. Over time, I realized how much I enjoyed helping others, so I began working with the rest of the community as well. Service has become my way of giving back and making sure no one feels like they have to figure everything out alone. It’s a simple way to show people they are not alone and that someone cares. “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” - Martin Luther King Jr. Community service is something I have considered of great importance ever since I was a kid, but I started participating and contributing to it once I moved to the USA from Germany. It’s where I found my voice and the very essence of what I value. In high school, I realized that community service was a chance to give back in a way I didn’t think I could. I was lucky to grow up in a community full of love and support, but many don’t share the same experience. Engaging in service made me realize I could spend my free time lending a hand in communities to help create a stronger, safer, and more empowering environment. I could not be more grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn from these communities, and I look forward to what I will learn down the road. “Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.” – Mother Teresa Service is incredibly important to me and part of who I am because it allows me to help others while also helping myself grow. Having been born in Rwanda and later moving to Canada, I have experienced the transformative power of both receiving and giving support. Through service, I’ve learned that it's not just about giving—it's about empowering others to help themselves, mentoring them to become better versions of themselves, showing them love, and offering support in a way that encourages independence. My life journey shaped my perspective on the importance of community and compassion. It taught me that when we serve others with empathy, we don’t just change their lives, but our own as well. Service has deepened my sense of purpose, reminding me of the power we all have to uplift and inspire those around us. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained." - Geoffrey Chaucer “There are no great things, only small things with great love.” – Saint Teresa of Calcutta When asked to reflect on my experiences with community service, I had to think back to why it all started. Before I was old enough to comprehend the idea of loss, I had experienced much of it. I do not come from the standard family, being that I am the youngest of six kids with an 18-year age gap between me and my oldest sister, so by the time I was 12 I had lost all my grandparents, some aunts and uncles, and even close family friends to illness and old age. I was forced into learning how to cope with the lack of certain forms of love that everyone around me still had. My parents, seeing the struggles I was dealing with, decided to begin bringing me and my sister to the local nursing homes to play the piano for residents and bring them to mass. Over time, I was able to begin to build relationships with these people, and I started to fill the hole that was left behind by all the loss I had experienced. My service has only expanded since then, leading me to work with many different populations and people. As I begin to learn more about the ways I can make a bigger difference in my community, I remember that the root of all my work is love. The quote I chose perfectly exemplifies what I believe service should be. The small interactions that I have not only benefit the people around me but also have changed the way I view the world and how I live my daily life. "A life isn't significant except for its impact on others lives." - Jackie Robinson Service is my way to connect with others and I've had the privilege of building positive relationships with all kinds of people. As I continue to grow, service expands my perspective and deepens my understanding of the world around me. It allows me to step outside of my own comfort zone and experience the joys and challenges of others. Helping others has always been something I’ve enjoyed doing. While growing up, I watched my family constantly go out into the community and that influence made me realize that I wanted to make a difference through service too. I’m very grateful to be in a position to give back to the community around me. “I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”- Malcolm X From a young age I have always had a strong moral compass on what justice truly means. I have also always been taught to fight for those who struggle in the world especially because of systems that are not set in place for them to succeed. Being directly affected by the system that seeks to hinder my success has only fueled my determination. It intensifies my mission and deepens my understanding of how I can actively work to challenge and dismantle it, striving to create change for both me and others who face worse barriers. Working with organizations that focus on dismantling these systems further fuels my understanding of justice and deepens my passion for this cause. In other words, service means to me that I can be a part of a group like the outstanding Community Engaged Fellows, to help work against those systems and make an impact in others’ lives, just as much as they have an impact on mine.
Luciano Añez
Jenny Davis
Ganza Kim
Claire Wagner
Isaac Visser
Asia Ricks
Makayla Rausch
First-Years
Grace Campagna
Year: First-Year
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public, International Studies
Hometown: Broadview Heights, Ohio
Service Sites: Academy of World Languages
“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” Dorothy Day
I have come to recognize community to be at the heart of all that I do, and it is in the various communities of which I am a member that I have come to know the greatest love. Such love is the root of becoming people with others, in the words of Pedro Arrupe, and fuels the connection that unites us. At the most basic level, we are all one human family, equal in the eyes of God. In recognizing the inherent dignity that we each possess, we owe it to each other to care deeply about one another. In all honesty, I do not have much to offer, simply my time, love, and a sharing in humanity. However, in the communities I am and have been a part of, the Catholic Worker in Akron, Bethlehem Farm, Kino Border Initiative, and with my friends and family, such simple qualities have proved to be enough. It is belonging to a community and to each other that paves a way to justice and that is a source of hope for us all.
Jendayi Gyamerah- Oliver
Major: Actuarial Science
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Service Sites: NEXUS Community Garden
Growing up, my mom and I volunteered weekly at a local homeless shelter in my hometown. It was there that I met a student who shared my deep love for math. At first, our sessions focused only on required worksheets, and she often doubted her abilities to solve the problems accurately. Over time, she showed me that learning can also be filled with so much joy. I began to see her confidence grow as she solved problems correctly, and together we laughed through lessons that combined imagination with education.While I helped her strengthen her math skills, she gave me something even greater: a reminder to hold onto happiness and creativity, even in the face of difficulty. Gandhi’s words ring true: I found myself by serving others, and I rediscovered my own love for math along the way. Service is powerful because it creates spaces where both the giver and receiver are changed. As Gandhi suggests, true service allows us to look beyond ourselves and find meaning through connection with others. The Community Engaged Fellowship offers the opportunity to continue this work, helping us grow while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Katie Hoban
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Riley Mills
Year: First-Year
Major: Cybersecurity
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Service Sites: Ladies of Awesomeness, Evanston Middle School Cheer Team
“Change cannot be put on people. The best way to instill change is to do it with them. Create it with them.” – Lisa Bodell
This belief guides my approach to service and reflects the heart of Xavier’s Community-Engaged Fellowship. Through my internship at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, I worked alongside staff and neighbors to address food insecurity, not just as a volunteer but as a partner in lasting solutions. Tutoring third graders in the 123 Read program taught me to listen first and adapt, helping each child discover confidence and a love for reading. As a junior coach for the youth Cobra cheerleading team, I mentored girls from underrepresented communities, blending my passion for cheer with leadership development and community building.
Each of these roles showed me that authentic service means collaborating with the community rather than working for it. They deepened my empathy, strengthened my commitment to equity, and affirmed that sustainable change grows from shared effort. I was able to connect and see these people that I was working with as true companions which shifts the service experience. I hope to bring this compassion into every room I step into so that I can plant the seed of selflessness and being a warmhearted influence on my peers. My energy for mentoring, organizing, and learning will only continue to expand at Xavier which is an opportunity that I am blessed to have.
Jillian Officer
Year: First-YearMajor: Nursing
Hometown: Hudseon, Ohio
Service Sites: Ladies of Awesomeness
Donnie Patterson
Major: Business Undecided
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Ever since I could remember, my parents encouraged me to stay involved. Not only for my personal experience and growth, but also for the difference that I could make in the lives of others. Growing up in my family, helping those in need was second nature. Whether it was a friend, family member, neighbor or even a stranger; if we had the ability to help in any way possible, we were there, because we strongly believe that we’re blessed to be a blessing. This mindset has continued to make an impact on my life, which has made me into the young man that I am today. God has given me the ability to serve, and I’m committed to living that out every day by making a positive impact wherever I can.
Tanner This
Year: First-Year
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Hometown: New Bremen, Michigan
Service Sites: Xavier Jesuit Academy, Children's Creative Corner, Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled
If you had asked me at the beginning of high school how much service I did, I probably would have said “near zero.” Growing up in a rural town, I assumed service was limited to big organizations like shelters or non-profits — things my community didn’t have. However, as I reflected while applying for the Fellowship, I realized that the activities I chose to take on were all acts of service, even if they didn’t fit that traditional definition. My involvement wasn’t about obligation; I got involved because I cared about my community and wanted to help it grow stronger. I found the true definition of service not as a set of tasks with an end point, but as a way of building something lasting that reaches beyond myself. It wasn’t the hours that mattered, but the opportunity to serve because it felt meaningful. I found real enjoyment in leading, creating, and supporting something bigger than myself. Service, to me, is rooted in that sense of community pride: showing up not because it’s required, but because it matters. Through the Fellowship, I hope to inspire others to find that same joy in building up their communities and realizing that service, at its core, is infinite.
Will Unger
Major: Philosophy, Politics, and the Public
Hometown: Madeira, Ohio
My journey in service has been woven all throughout my educational experience. In elementary school, I helped collect hats, mittens, and gloves for our annual Giving Tree to benefit foster youth served by Lighthouse Family Services. In middle school, I explored what compassion in action meant by packaging meals with classmates at Matthew 25 Ministries and participating in Empty Bowls to raise awareness about global hunger. By high school, service had become an important part of who I am. Through my school’s annual Day of Service, I discovered how even small acts can create meaningful change. I also found a way to connect my love of Spanish with community engagement by volunteering at Su Casa’s Vacaciones Útiles, a summer camp for children learning English as a second language. Each of these experiences has deepened my understanding that love, when put into action, builds stronger, more compassionate communities. I am deeply grateful to continue this journey as a Community Engaged Fellow at Xavier University, where I can further grow in service, learn from others, and live out compassion through action.