Maggie Szeman – All About Giving

Maggie Szeman acts on the inspiring words of British politician Winston Churchill – “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Szeman’s commitment to her community and peers was rewarded on Feb. 27, when she received one of this year’s five Community Service Merit Awards (pictured at right) presented by the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill’s annual spring event.

Not one to sit still, Szeman serves as the staff coordinator of Orientation for this summer’s Orientation Leaders and the co-chair of Students Others and Reflecting’s (SOAR) environmental division.

As an Orientation Leader in 2007, the sophomore English education major learned firsthand about servant leadership. She described her actions as “seeking a way to make a difference in someone's life and inspiring those around you to pay-it-forward in some way.”

Those around Szeman took notice of her efforts. Fellow Orientation leaders named her Orientation Staffer of the Year last summer. Meanwhile, other students have flocked to volunteer with SOAR because of its creative projects.

“It is her ability to turn her peers into volunteers and leaders in a way that I have never seen before. The passion in her eyes could not be hidden by the darkest shades, and her love for humanity spreads to all she touches,” said Szeman’s mentor, Jason Weil, the former program director for Volunteer and Community Service who nominated her for the award.

Szeman emphasized the importance of other campus leaders in her success. “I think it's truly a credit to our university that so many students are involved in leadership and service positions. I learn a lot from my fellow Eagles and know that without them I'd only be half the leader I am today,” she said. (Photo credit: Sheila Caldwell, Come-See-Me)

Maggie at a Glance

• High School: Home schooled
• Hometown: Fort Mill, S.C.
• Fun Fact: Maggie was instrumental in creating a campus event for National Recycling Day, which included leading a team of students who collected signed recycling pledge cards.
• Community Affiliations: American Red Cross blood drives, Adopt a Highway and Lake Wylie River Sweep