Darren Andruko ‘84 BCom is a member of the University of Alberta Senate and an enthusiastic volunteer for U School. A retired energy and finance executive, Darren began looking for ways to get involved with his alma mater community again after moving back to Edmonton from Calgary last year.
The U of A has been a big part of Darren’s history. As a member of a three-generation U of A family, with his mother, brothers and several of his children completing their education there, the decision to get involved again in the community was a natural fit.
Volunteering with the University in all forms has been an enjoyable experience for him. While the Senate has been a fantastic way to meet new people with similar interests, U School has allowed him to combine his previous volunteer experience working with children with his dedication to the U of A. U School’s programming changes weekly, so there is always something new to learn for both students and volunteers. One of Darren’s favorite stories involves a presentation on human nerves.
“All the students and the volunteers were wired up to receive electric pulses in various muscles - legs, arms, face (eyebrows, smile muscles). The professor and his tech assistant had us all twitching, jumping and "smiling" in rhythm by zapping us - it was hilarious!”
Darren says one of the most important things for U School volunteers is the willingness to show up and engage with the students. Building these connections with younger students is so important to help reduce barriers to post-secondary education.
Volunteering can benefit others, but it can also help the volunteer. Darren’s advice to future volunteers: "You may expect to be investing this time and energy for the benefit of others (like the students who attend U School), but you may find that you enjoy it so much that you are really doing it for yourself."
