In our continuing series highlighting the volunteerism of Clark Dietz staff, today we talked to our Chief Financial Officer, Seth Swartz, CPA, about his efforts to serve both his community and his faith through his work with the Baptist Student Foundation and Judah Christian School.
The Baptist Student Foundation is a church and housing ministry for University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign and Parkland College students seeking a safe, Christian-based housing option. Providing housing for over 100 students, the Foundation provides Christian retreats, prayer groups, and opportunities to serve others. The mission of the Foundation is to provide a supportive community where students live, work, help others and grow through faith and good works. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts given to the student residents is that of cooperative living: students must work to keep the houses livable, with tasks including cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc. Unlike their dorm-living counterparts, these students will leave college with the ability to care for themselves and a new household, wherever they land after graduation!
After being approached by his pastor to assist the Foundation, Seth has served on its Board of Directors for the past six years, five of which was spent as the Board’s treasurer. Due to term limits, he’ll be off the Board for a term. He still will be serving the Board in an advisory capacity moving forward, as the mission of the Foundation is one that is near to his heart.
The other organization Seth works with is Judah Christian School. A 3k-12 private interdenominational Christian school located in Champaign, Illinois. The mission of the school is to provide a nurturing environment where students from preschool to high school can learn and grow in faith. In addition to academics, the school offers a robust selection of sports and extracurriculars, as well as many opportunities for students to serve others through volunteerism.
Seth’s role at the Judah Christian School involves serving on its Finance Committee. There, he works to advise and guide the school’s financial planning for initiatives and improvement projects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seth’s role was particularly demanding: that of trying to keep an academic institution up and running even with increased costs and reduced capacity.
And to wrap up, we’ll share why Seth volunteers, in his own words:
"I believe my knowledge can be used to better the lives of other individuals and can help grow organizations that provide significant benefits to the community. I believe using those skills to assist others, when feasible, makes me a better person and makes the community better as a whole."
Thank you, Seth, for taking the time to talk with us, and for using your skills and experience to provide extraordinarily valuable service to these two worthy organizations. We salute your commitment to community!
