MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Durell Hines, a senior psychology major and president of the Penn State Harrisburg Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., was recognized recently with other members of the fraternity by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Central Pennsylvania for volunteering at the society’s “Light the Night Walk,” an event that celebrates a year of fundraising with fireworks, food, games, and a 1 to 2 mile walk at dusk. Lanterns are lit for survivors, in memory, and also in support.
Hines, an intern with the society, urged his fraternity to get involved based on the work that he has done and the experiences he has had with LLS.
“I like to help people, meet new people, and explore,” Hines said. “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.”
For the Light the Night Walk, Hines and his fraternity brothers assisted staff with lining the course for walkers to make sure they did not stray from the path and also cheered them on. The group came straight from a conference in Philadelphia with little rest and went to work carrying boxes, setting up food and lanterns, and even joining in the walk.
Their dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. Hines’ supervisor, Sarah Ozark, campaign manager of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Series, sent a special commendation for Hines and Phi Beta Sigma.
“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.”
As an intern with the society, Hines manages and writes articles for their website, assists with database management, and directly assists Ozark with projects. Next semester, he will get involved in assisting with school assemblies teaching students about what the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is, what cancer is, and how they can make an impact.
“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.”