Gully Stanford MA (1968) Gully’s extra-curricular activities centred on The Hist and the Classical Society. He recalls the outstanding example of volunteer activism by Kadar Asmal and the Anti-Apartheid Movement during this time. Curiously, Gully feels that his generation frequently failed to recognize these activities as ‘voluntarism’ in the sense of community service and saw them more as opportunities to improve communications and leadership skills. Gully helped organise The Hist’s International Debate Competition last year and recently had the chance to participate in Trinity’s Student2Student conversations. Volunteering has helped me professionally. Absolutely: John Donne nailed it with “no man is an island”, as did Ben Franklin with his advice to hang together, and Shakespeare with “the tide in the affairs of men”. It’s through volunteering that we learn to see alternative points of view, understand others’ backgrounds and respect their positions, to recognize and engage with the issues that demand attention. It’s through volunteering that we sustain the joy of life which sadly the business of living can so often smother. Ursula Quill BA (2012) When Ursula arrived in Trinity in 2008, she was drawn to the excitement of Wednesday night debates in the GMB. When she was elected as Auditor of the Hist in her final year, Quill prioritised the Society’s wider engagement. Along with regular events, they organised a debate in Stormont with Queen’s University and collaborated with societies such as Q Soc, an Cumann Gaelach, the Metafizz, and the Student’s Union. After graduating, Trinity remained a huge part of her life and she has continued to volunteer with the Hist, mentoring upcoming leaders and joining in alumni events. Ursula was appointed Director of Hist250, where she worked with Professor David McConnell and the Alumni Office to reconnect with Hist members. With students and staff at the Library, Quill co-curated the Hist250 exhibition, launched by Chancellor Mary McAleese in the Long Room. Trinity prioritises development outside the classroom and through volunteering I met and worked with interesting students from other courses, many of whom became lifelong friends. I always encourage students at Trinity to get involved with societies, as it greatly enriches your time at college. If you would like to learn more about volunteering with Trinity as a graduate, we have further information about all the different ways to get involved here:
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