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BRC members draw on family memories and past volunteer experience to support the annual event.
CMU’s Business Residental College supported Mount Pleasant’s Zonta Chapter during their 37th annual Apple Fest event. The student volunteers took the initiative to split themselves up into smaller groups throughout the day to equally distribute help for the event. From serving donuts and cider, to aiding the children’s games and crafts to directing parking services, members would show up and offer their support wherever they were needed.
First-year Business Residential College members both freshman and accounting majors, Jeremy Diepstra, local to Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Lily Duda, from Rochester Hills, Mich., each had their own reasons for choosing to volunteer at this event alongside the rest of their cohort.
As Diepstra grew up in Mount Pleasant, he would attend the Apple Fest every year with his family. Adding that his favorite part was when his mom would take him to get apple cider and donuts.
“I figured I would make that core memory come true for other people,” Diepstra said. “I felt it was an important part of my childhood.”
Still feeling as connected to the community as he did in his childhood, he understands the importance of giving back.
Duda expressed how she was interested in volunteering not only for the BRC requirements, but also for how fun it seemed. Reminding her of when she would go to the apple orchard with her family. Something that surprised her was the number of people who visited this year.
“There usually aren’t many people, so it was really fun being able to work with everybody who showed up,” Duda commented.
The 2026-27 BRC cohort has already surpassed expectations by showing up and representing the BRC by attending professional networking events, volunteering on their own time, and engaging in the community. Diepstra revealed he had earned over 100 hours of previous community service during his four years of high school. Already having volunteer experience set him up for success.
“I like doing community service because it makes me feel good about myself and like I am doing my part as a citizen,” Diepstra expressed. “Yes, this is my first time volunteering on behalf of the BRC, but I expect that there will be so many more!”
Duda also has previous experience dedicating time and energy to her community. She would often help make blankets and donate them to her church as well as help with food drives.
Wishing she had spent more time at Apple Fest, Duda appreciated the positive impact people had when they showed up to the Apple Fest with a smile, a good attitude, and excited for a sweet treat!
It is commonly thought that one person can’t make a difference. One of the wonderful things about community is that no act of kindness is too small. Even just a few encouraging words, generous gestures, and lending a helping hand can contribute to a culture where people are caring and welcoming. Choosing to support others whenever you can, will not only strengthen your own community, yet encourage growth, gratitude, empathy and a sense of fulfillment in your own life.
Not only did the BRC members volunteer, they also used this as an opportunity to connect more with people within the community, including families, friends, staff, and alumni.
Next month, BRC students will be volunteering at the Isabella County Restoration House. Make sure to keep an eye out for more stories about their impact in the community, and to learn more about the BRC and its students, visit the BRC web page here.
