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Since retiring from a long career in marketing, Kit Green ’56 has dedicated his life to volunteerism.
This fall, he will be presented with the Woodring Alumni Association Service Award, which recognizes the achievements of a long-term Alumni Association volunteer whose service is dedicated and effective.
Green, a former president of the now-defunct Central Jersey Alumni Club, has worked at college phonathon events, serves on the senior reunion committee, belongs to the Marquis Society, and is a member of the Friends of Lafayette Basketball and Football programs as well.
“I’ve always loved volunteering,” says Green, a history graduate who has never missed a class reunion. “It makes me feel good to stay in touch with the Lafayette community, no matter what type of program it may be.”
Green also volunteers as a driver for the Shriners Hospital for Children and recently was recognized for his dedication by the Philadelphia 76ers organization with a Hometown Hero award.
Shriners Hospitals specialize in no-cost orthopedic and burn care for children under age 18. The Salaam Shepherds, of which Green is a member, is the group within the Shrine of North America that drives children and their families to and from medical appointments. The Shepherds make roughly 250 trips a year.
“We transport children from all over New Jersey to Shriners Hospitals in Philadelphia, Springfield [Mass.], and Boston,” Green explains. “The objective of the Shriners is to help children who are in need. They do anything they possibly can. That support includes this transportation, as well as offering parent education, treating patients, support groups and more.”
“Right now, volunteering is something that fulfills my life,” he says.
Green, along with his wife Robin, sons David ’85 and Joshua ’92, and daughter Susan, also started the Green Family Scholarship for Lafayette students on his 65th birthday seven years ago.
He says he was “thrilled and also shocked” that he would be receiving his Alumni Association award. “I have always said that if you put just some effort back into Lafayette, you will be a member of the Lafayette family for life.”
Green has been involved with the Shriners for 40 years. He has been driving for four years and finds the once-a-week job his most gratifying contribution thus far.
“It is so rewarding to see a child finally become free to run after struggling on crutches for years,” he says. “I also appreciate the diversity of the families. There is a common bond that all families share with us that transcends everything. It is the love of children and the desire to care for them.”
David and Josh made the choice to attend Lafayette after coming to love the College through their father’s involvement.
“Both of them went on to post-graduate work and found that their education at Lafayette far surpassed what their peers had experienced,” he says.
Even his wife feels like a member of the Lafayette family. Green says the administration and alumni have opened their arms to her throughout the years of his involvement, to the point that it now feels as though she attended Lafayette herself.
Green is particularly excited about Lafayette’s future.
“With the new administration, there are immensely exciting times coming for the College,” he says. “Under [President] Dan Weiss, the atmosphere is warm and friendly. It is clear he has an agenda filled with creative ideas to make the school even more outstanding than it is today.”
Green says he will always volunteer in whatever way he can, whether it is for Lafayette, the Shriners or his local synagogue.
“I really couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else,” he says.