Q. What has been your favorite experience as an Alumni Association volunteer?
My favorite experience as a volunteer leader was the Muslim Alumni Network Kick off event. Since this was our first event, it was the first time we saw how excited the members of our community were for the start of the affinity network. It was a very fun event and it was great to see old colleagues and network with other alumni! Seeing the results of the work we put in and giving back to our community was extremely gratifying.
Q. Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer to foster my connection with the University of Minnesota. Throughout my undergraduate career I benefited from alumni mentors and support from the staff, faculty, and community of the University of Minnesota. Through my volunteering I wish to strengthen the connection between Muslim alumni and the University of Minnesota and give back to the communities that supported me.
Q. Why would you encourage others to volunteer?
I encourage others to volunteer because it is very rewarding to help and support others. Volunteering with UMAA is great because you can support your peers or aid current students (or do both) and there are many opportunities to do so. In addition, the UMAA listens to its members; if you are passionate about the change you wish to make, you are bound to find support!
Q. Share some alumni words of wisdom.
A quote from Andre Gide that I often reflect on is "One does not discover new lands without consenting to losing sight of the shore for a very long time." Explore your interests and passions. If you have an idea, pursue it!
About Rami Shaker
Rami received his BS in Chemistry in 2017 and Masters of Health Informatics in 2019 from the Institute of Health Informatics. He is currently employed as a teaching specialist for the Foundations of Biology Laboratory course at the University of Minnesota and he serves as the president of the Muslim Alumni Network. In his spare time he enjoys reading, playing sports, and video games.
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