It all started for Catherine Darragh at the tender age of 10 when she volunteered as a “library princess” at Springvale Public Library in Sanford, Maine, U.S. Darragh continued to volunteer at the library through high school as well as with area children’s and athletics programs. 

“I love making connections about things I care about,” says Darragh, who works at her alma mater, Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, U.S., as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and—for the past two years—has provided her expertise as part of the CASE District I Annual Conference planning committee.

Darragh’s volunteer trajectory from “library princess” to CASE conference committee member has not only allowed her to give back to her community and her profession but also provided her with important opportunities for growth. 

“I’m somewhat of an introvert so these volunteer activities have helped me gain experience with public speaking,” says Darragh. “And for sure with CASE, it has helped to build my knowledge of higher education and to develop connections with others working in the field.”