Volunteer USI, the University of Southern Indiana’s volunteer organization, celebrated its 2023 award recipients and dedicated volunteer community during the annual Volunteer USI Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, August 23. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, volunteers devoted 52,262 hours to USI and the local community. Since 1996, Volunteer USI has recorded a total of 2,400,022 volunteer hours.
Each year, Volunteer USI recognizes three award recipients who have contributed outstanding service with a lasting impact to USI and/or the community. The award categories include Volunteer of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Student Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteer of the YearÂ
Dr. Terry Alvey ’84 has been named the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. A long-time member of the USI Alumni Association, Alvey served on the Alumni Council for four years and currently holds a pivotal role on the USI Foundation Board of Directors. Alongside his wife Jean, also a USI alumna, the Alveys have shared expertise as workshop presenters for the Pott College Alumni Medical Professionals Celebration, offering guidance to students pursuing medical careers.
Notably, his commitment to mentorship shines through his active involvement with USI pre-med students. He advocates for the USI Mentor Program, provides career counseling and encourages students to embrace all the USI community has to offer.
Alvey’s impact goes beyond campus as he generously supports various community initiatives. With his wife, he established the Terence A. ’84 and C. Jean ’85 Alvey Unrestricted Endowment, a testament to their dedication to education and community welfare. Now enjoying retirement after an influential career as a podiatrist, Alvey’s passion for enhancing educational experiences and fostering growth continues to shape both the USI and Evansville communities.
An anonymous nominator says, “Dr. Alvey volunteers out of the spotlight, making great use of his interpersonal skills and attention to detail.â€
He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from USI and a doctorate in podiatric medicine from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
Student Volunteer of the YearÂ
Christina Butler ’24 has been selected as the 2023 Student Volunteer of the Year. She is pursuing a major in finance and minoring in public and nonprofit administration.
An active member of USI’s Tri Sigma sorority, Butler dedicates numerous hours weekly during both Fall and Spring Semesters to coordinate various events related to the sorority. In addition, she holds the position of Vice President for two student organizations: Be the Match, which strives to give students and the local community the opportunity to join the bone marrow registry, provide financial support and volunteer their time; and USI Eagles in Action, a student organization focused on developing and leading community service projects.
An anonymous student nominator says, “Christina Butler exemplifies strength, compassion and kindness in everything she does. She has proven to be a woman who exceeds expectations at all costs, without ever asking for anything in return. She takes challenges in stride and uses her keen organization skills to help others follow her example in excellence.â€
Mentor of the YearÂ
Dr. Urska Dobersek, Associate Professor of Psychology, has been named the 2023 Mentor of the Year. At USI, Dobersek leads a dynamic research lab where she guides undergraduate students on various research endeavors, including survey and experimental research, systematic and scoping reviews and meta-analyses.
Her research focuses on individuals’ identity, sexual and mate selection, objectification of women and diet and mental health. Dobersek has published over 90 peer-reviewed abstracts, publications and book chapters in her professional career.
Praised by an anonymous student nominator, Dobersek’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her efforts to support and elevate students in the same regard. Her passion for psychology and research is readily apparent, inspiring those around her.
Dobersek earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in general/experimental psychology, both from McNeese State University. She earned a doctorate in sport and exercise psychology from Florida State University and is currently completing a master’s degree in clinical mental health psychology at the University of the Cumberlands.
