Pictured: Grace Kelmer, (left) director, The Mendel Center Mainstage, presents Camille Sandel with the 2018-19 Volunteer of the Year Award during the annual volunteer appreciation dinner and reception.
The Mendel Center of Lake Michigan College has honored Camille Sandel of Stevensville with the 2018-19 Volunteer of the Year award.
She was recognized for her work from among the group of nearly 100 active volunteers at the Mendel Center’s annual volunteer appreciation dinner and reception.
Sandel has been a volunteer for 24 years. The Mendel Center says she routinely volunteers for 25 or more shows and events each year including Mainstage performances, Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speakers Series events, Lake Michigan College Performing Arts Department productions and community events. Sandel is also a regular member of the small group of volunteers who meet the day before each show to prepare the playbills.
“Camille is part of the backbone of The Mendel Center Volunteer Corps. She is always ready to step in and help and is confident in her duties. We value the many years she has served so far and look forward to the years still to come,” stated Grace Kelmer, director of The Mendel Center Mainstage.
Other recognition during the event included that of 10 volunteers who were awarded service anniversary pins. They are:
5-years of service
Sammye Bale
Celina Bevelhymer
Charles Bevelhymer
Kathie Ohme
Carole Sternaman
15-years of service
Duane Ostenson
Pat Ostenson
Norma Rosenthal
Karen Vandermeer
25-years of service
Jane Krueger
Mendel Center volunteers are responsible for ensuring patron safety, ushering, patron assistance, and other assignments related to day-of-show operations. The volunteer corps assists with events including Mainstage performances, the annual Lake Michigan College commencement ceremony, Lake Michigan College Performing Arts department performances, The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speakers Series, Blossomtime pageants and many others.
The Mendel Center is accepting volunteer applications for the 2019-2020 season now through the end of August. Those interested in joining the volunteer team can contact the Mendel Center Volunteer Office at volunteers@lakemichigancollege.edu or by calling (269) 927-8700, option 4.