Turning volunteerism into leadership in action

On any given weekend, Central Michigan University business students serve meals, clean barns, organize donations, or prepare buildings for winter.

They are not doing it for class credit. They are doing it because they believe leadership starts with service.

For Emma Cummins, an event and recreation management major from Livonia, Mich., that belief guides both her academic path and her role as philanthropy coordinator for the Business Residential College. Now in the second semester of her sophomore year, Cummins has already helped lead dozens of service initiatives that connect business students to the Mount Pleasant community.

“The mission of the Business Residential College is to provide an enriching academic living-learning community. We value active participation, service leadership, and networking opportunities that connect students both personally and professionally,” she said. “To us, it is more than just words; we make it a point to live by them.”

Service in action across Mount Pleasant

This year alone, BRC students have supported a wide range of community partners, including Isabella County Restoration House, Hopewell Ranch, Friends of Veterans Memorial Library, Zonta Apple Fest, Karma Kat Café and local can drives benefiting Ganiard Elementary and the Oiler Pack therapy dogs.

Among those efforts, Cummins said work with Isabella County Restoration House stood out.

“This academic year, we have volunteered as a group more than once to help with a variety of different areas of need,” she said. “Anywhere from cleaning, restoring, and preparing the building for winter to serving food, conversing, and spending time with residents, all of this has left a visible impact.”

The impact went both ways.

“Aside from verbal forms of gratitude from the center, I have seen the impact it has made on our members and their appreciation for being given the opportunity to help their community,” she said.

Why service matters for business students

For Cummins, volunteerism is especially important for students preparing for careers in business.

“While it is important for everyone who is able to participate in acts of service as college students, specifically those studying business, I think it is important to open up young students’ minds,” she said.

She reminds students that Mount Pleasant becomes their home for four years.

“For the next four years, this community is now their community, and it is so important to take time to get to know the community they’re living in,” she said.

Business careers are built on relationships. Serving others helps students better understand people—and themselves.

“Recalling being in a position where you were a volunteer helps you make connections with those who may help you later down the road,” she said.

Skills you can’t learn from a textbook

Service also sharpens practical skills that employers value—communication, teamwork, adaptability and empathy.

“These service opportunities help students develop skills and values that extend beyond the classroom because they provide a different perspective on life,” Cummins said. “Skills such as following directions and developing interpersonal skills can be tremendously beneficial.”

She has been especially proud of this year’s cohort.

“Whenever I share any event, big or small, the turnout is absolutely amazing,” she said. “The entire BRC this year has blown any expectations I had out of the water, and I could not be any prouder.”

Students do not just show up — they take ownership. Some share their experiences on LinkedIn. Others reflect privately on the pride they feel in making a difference.

“It is a rewarding feeling to make an impact on the community and look around at my members, who have the biggest smiles on their faces and love what they are doing,” she said.

Building partnerships that last

The BRC creates service opportunities by partnering with campus and local organizations. Some groups reach out directly because of the BRC’s strong reputation for showing up prepared and ready to work. Others connect through volunteer fairs and community events.

Even as philanthropy coordinator, Cummins knows she cannot do it alone.

“I rely on our members to be willing to show up and put in the work, and their efforts definitely show,” she said.

Looking ahead, the BRC hopes to collaborate with the Rotaract Club and expand fundraising and volunteer support for the Oiler Pack therapy dogs.

“If any student is interested in these opportunities or other volunteer opportunities, feel free to reach out to me; I would love to send over opportunities,” she said.

Taking the first step

For students unsure about volunteering, Cummins offers simple advice: start small and ask questions.

“To any student who is considering volunteering but does not know the first step, I would advise them to look into @cmuvolunteers on Instagram; they are constantly posting opportunities on campus to give back,” she said. “Additionally, ask around and use your resources on campus, especially your professors.”

Service, she believes, is an opportunity unlike any other.

“Acts of community service are opportunities like no other. I have never left volunteering regretting it or feeling a negative impact,” she said. “These opportunities leave you feeling good while also broadening all the skills that the College of Business commits to developing in its students.”

In the Business Residential College, leadership is not just something students study. It is something they practice—one act of service at a time.