Allison Lazarz ’05
What involvement did/do you have with MOVE? What program did/do you volunteer with and/or lead? What years?
I did a lot of volunteer activities through MOVE — volleyball at the corrections center, making meals at St. John’s Hall and starting up a volunteer activity called “Cause For Paws” with my friend Amy Usowski where we brought students to the Chittenden County Humane Society to volunteer with the animals there. I also went on several extended service trips and was a member of the CORE team.
What’s your MOVE story?
My MOVE story began before I arrived on campus at St. Mike’s back in 2001. I attended “TREK,” a team-building and volunteer event that took place at the since-closed Camp Tara in Colchester, several days prior to orientation. It was during this time that I met some of the friends I’d stay closest to throughout college and into the present day. I got a taste for what life at St. Mike’s would be like—a close-knit community of people who wanted to do good for others. Attending TREK gave me the confidence to begin my new college journey away from the friends and family I grew up with, and inspired me to stay connected to the MOVE program throughout my four years at St. Mike’s.
In what ways did/does MOVE impact you?
It inspired me to give back to my community, and to be grateful for what I have.
If you are an alumni, what influence does MOVE continue to have on your life today?
I still volunteer when possible, and make financial donations to charities that have touched my life in some way. Many of my experiences with MOVE taught me to be humble, and to prioritize helping those in need whenever possible.
Anything else you would like to add?
Ann Giombetti and Steve Garbarino were the two people in charge of the MOVE office when I was a student and they were fantastic! Both were like parents-away-from-home for me!