Socially Responsible for Each Other

Written by Aurelia Spaulding

“As people, we are all responsible for each other,” Senior Susie Jonica Montgomery said.

Montgomery, Communications major with a minor in American Humanics, utilizes her belief in social responsibility throughout her involvement at Western Kentucky University. As a member of various organizations, she strives to expand beyond volunteerism.

Currently, Montgomery serves on the Relay for Life Committee at WKU, as well as the Multi-Cultural Committee for the Campus Activities Board. However, it is her involvement in Amazing Tones of Joy (student gospel choir) that has recently allowed her to expand her reach.

As president of Amazing Tones of Joy, Montgomery set a goal for the choir to serve in the community monthly. Through their involvement, the group has worked with Trinity Full Gospel Church, within a nursing home, as well as partnered with another group on campus for a blood drive.

One notable event includes the Amazing Tones of Joy (ATJ) Fall Concert. Each year, ATJ has a fall and spring concert to fundraise for the choir. However, this year, Montgomery met a young boy that changed the choir’s routine.

One choir member mentioned Caden Modaff’s story to Montgomery after she had heard of service dogs for autism. Montgomery learned of the Modaff’s quest to raise money for a service dog to help with Caden’s autism. The organization, 4 Paws for Ability, requires the family to raise $13,000 for the service dog through donations. Hearing this, Montgomery immediately wanted to help.

Amazing Tones of Joy agreed to give all the money raised from the concert to Caden’s efforts. On December 6, 2009, the choir raised $600. Caden’s father, Dan Modaff, Communication Department Head, attended the concert with his family.

Montgomery believes there is a movement taking place at Western Kentucky University where students are working to make things better.

“When you think of Western, you think of the Hilltoppers. You think of Big Red. But, maybe in ten years or so, when you think of Western you will think of it as the place that not only helps out the community, but somehow impacts the world.“

In the fall of 2009, Montgomery participated in the Student Retreat sponsored by the Institute for Citizenship & Social Responsibility. At the retreat, Montgomery communicated with twenty other students with similar ideas of impacting the world through utilizing their own interests. Montgomery looks forward to students utilizing the public space of ICSR to grow their passions.