Parents and Friends
Print | Go back to the Magazine
|
For our Alumni, Parents and Friends |
| Spring 2006 |
 N. Scott Millar |
Volunteer Profiles
N. Scott Millar, Mike Koontz, Kelly Peck
By Nicholas Addison Thomas
N. Scott Millar (Class of ’85)
When N. Scott Millar isn’t working as the manager of human resources for Canon Virginia Inc. – a position he’s held since 1992 – he’s making a difference at Christopher Newport University by volunteering. Mr. Millar graduated cum laude from CNU with a bachelor’s degree in governmental administration and a concentration in public management. More than two decades later, Mr. Millar is donating his time to the University that helped jump-start his career.
“Having volunteered with other local area service programs, I can think of no better way to impact the future of our community than by interacting and working with CNU’s outstanding and highly motivated students,” Mr. Millar said.
He helps Alumni volunteers, the president of the senior class and CNU’s career and counseling services. He coordinates a series of workshops held on campus throughout the year that is designed to help students transition from CNU to the business world and/or graduate school.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved. It is critical that CNU better leverage its growing number of Alumni,” said Mr. Millar. “Volunteering is just one way to personally assist the University in achieving this goal.”
Not only was he eager to help the community, but he also was able to re-establish a connection with CNU and lay the foundation for future assignments.
“Volunteering not only provides a way to give back but to also get involved and have a positive impact on the campus and in the community,” said Mr. Millar. “The exchange and interaction between Alumni and students provide an outstanding learning environment for both parties to expand their horizons.”
 Mike Koontz |
Mike Koontz (Class of ’01)
For Mike Koontz, CNU will always play an important role in his development as a businessman. As a student, he held a myriad of roles, including vice president of the Student Government Association, homecoming king and a member of Pi Kappa Phi, a business fraternity.
Mr. Koontz now works for Ferguson Enterprises Inc. as a benefits consultant. When he’s not at work, he devotes more than 10 hours a week to CNU as vice president of the Alumni Society. His volunteer work has been beneficial on both a personal and professional level.
“I help with the 50/50 raffles and other ways to raise money for scholarships,” he said. “I like helping the school because it gave me so many opportunities. I went from working in Harbor Lights to being the class president,” he said, referring to the dining hall now called Hiden-Hussey Commons.
As president of the Class of 2001, Mr. Koontz had a lot on his plate. With hard work and determination, he was able to learn about commitment and community involvement through his leadership role. Along with his colleagues, he worked hard to raise money for the University and the football stadium. Now, through his volunteer work, he is still able to make a lasting impression on the University.
“CNU took a kid who didn’t know what he wanted to do and gave him so many opportunities,” he said. “I want to give that experience to other people.”
A former member of the CNU track and field team, he hopes to reach students and Alumni through his role in the Alumni Society. He recommends volunteering because it helps the University and the individual.
“It’s always good to give back – you will always get more out of it than you ever imagined,” he said.
 Kelly Peck |
Kelly Peck (Class of ’85)
Kelly Peck is no stranger to numbers. While attending CNU, she studied business with a major in finance, a concentration that continues to provide support in her current vocation. Having been in the financial services and banking business for more than 15 years, she is currently a vice president with TowneBank in a commercial lending capacity.
Ms. Peck enjoys volunteering for CNU, an interest she said was initially sparked by a close friend.
“I was motivated to get involved with CNU through the efforts of Darry Patterson,” she said. “It was his determination to have the 5K race on campus that brought me on board and ultimately ended up as the catalyst for all my volunteer efforts at CNU through the Alumni Society.”
Ms. Peck donates her time because she believes it is an important, worthwhile contribution to the community. Among all of her volunteer work, her participation in the Alumni Society proves to be the most rewarding, she said. She has volunteered for 50/50 raffles to raise money for scholarships, career day, vacation and art auctions and also annual 5K races.
“Knowing that the work and time being committed will directly impact another’s future, now and in the years ahead, is the most important driving force for me,” she said. “I feel it is important to give back – not for the opportunity it provides us, but for the chance it provides others.”
Her selfless volunteerism has laid the groundwork for a continued relationship with the school. Ms. Peck recommends that others donate time to help the University.
“I am so proud of all the work I have been involved with at CNU,” she said. “I believe that everybody who graduates should give back – volunteering time is just as important to the growth and strength of the University as writing a check.”