The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Central Pennsylvania recently recognized Durell Hines, a Penn State Harrisburg senior majoring in psychology and president of the university’s Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity chapter, for his volunteer work with the society’s 2015 “Light the Night Walk” fundraising and commemorative event.
Hines, who also works as a Society intern, talked other fraternity members into participating in the local walk. “I like to help people, meet new people, and explore,” Hines said in a press release. “That is the epitome of what the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is all about. My fraternity represents brotherhood, scholarship and service, so the fact that I could combine my work at the internship and my activities with Phi Beta Sigma, and build a relationship between the two that could continue after I leave, was important to me.”
All of his fraternity brothers assisted LLS staff in making sure that participants in the October 2015 walk kept on track, in cheering them on, and helping to set up food and lanterns. Some joined in the walk, too.
For Sarah Ozark, Hines’ supervisor, it was hard not to notice the group’s dedication and hard work. “Durell and his fraternity had an entire weekend of other events scheduled, including a morning conference as well as events planned Saturday evening at University Park,” Ozark said. “Despite their crowded schedule, they still made an effort to come to the walk, volunteer and participate. It is appreciated to see young adults support their local community and get involved. Durell is extraordinarily passionate and has a very specific vision for his future — to help others. I think he is a great leader and hungry to learn more, which will make his future very bright.”
Ozark is the campaign manager of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Series. As her intern, Hines assists with database management, and manages and writes articles for the society’s website.
Hines plans to educate his schoolmates about LLS and blood cancers by speaking at assemblies during his final semester at Penn State, placing special emphasis on how students can work to make a difference.
“I have enjoyed the community service aspect of my internship the most,” Hines said. “I am glad that I am able to utilize my strengths to make my mark at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, while learning to run a program from the ground up. I am hoping to take what I have learned and facilitate my own program one day.”
At “Light the Night” annual LLS events, participants walk a preset course starting at dusk to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research and improved treatment access, and to light lanterns honoring people with these diseases. A total of $60 million was raised through walks across the U.S. in 2015, LLS reported. Information regarding 2016 walks is available through this link.
