The RSVP program at Black Hills State University held a press conference for a public relations course. Three RSVP volunteers - Rose Anderson, Alyce Schavone, and Roberta Koehler - spoke about their experiences volunteering through the RSVP program for over five years. Schavone noted that RSVP allows strangers to become friends through shared work. The volunteers answered students' questions about their personal lives and volunteer experiences. When asked for advice, Schavone recommended living beautifully and finding meaning in one's work rather than focusing on money. The press conference provided students an informative overview of the RSVP program and volunteer experiences.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Tina Sun
Black Hills State University
(605)430-2811
LiTing.Sun@YellowJackets.BHSU.edu
http://www.BHSU.edu/RSVP
RSVP Presented a Successful Press Conference
Spearfish, S.D., Oct. 27, 2009 — The RSVP, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which is
sponsored by the Black Hills State University, was asked to hold a press conference for Public
Relations Case Study course in Jonas 304 at 4 p.m. on Tue. Oct. 27, 2009. The purpose of this
press conference was to help the students in this course to have a better understanding of what
the RSVP does and how they have assisted the community. Nancy Wietgrefe, director of Black
Hills State University Retired Senior Volunteer Program, initiated the press conference with a
brief introduction of herself and the program. Rose Anderson, Alyce Schavone, and Roberta
Koehler were the three volunteers who were speaking at the conference.
RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people who are 55 and over. They help
participating organizations coordinate volunteer projects and special event staffing. BHSU-
RSVP is a grant funded program for retired senior volunteers who live in Spearfish area.
Each volunteer has been working with RSVP for more than five years. When asked why
join RSVP, Schavone stated that RSVP is the cause for strangers become friends through merit
works. Schavone is currently studying at BHSU for music appreciation with a visitor’s pass.
Students were asking questions in regard of volunteers’ experiences, suggestions, and their
thoughts. The three retired senior volunteers had plenty to share with the class, from their
personal life to their current living situation.
When asked the volunteers to give advice to the students in class, Schavone said, “Live
life beautifully; don’t live life for money, but the love of what you do.”
The RSVP presented a very informative press conference for the students of the Public
Relations Case Study course.
For additional information or a sample copy, Contact:
Nancy Wietgrefe
Director of BHSU-RSVP
(605) 642-5198
Nancy.Wietgrefe@BHSU.edu
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