Learn about the Kalamazoo Jaycees experience, in their own words:

David Marion

2005 Kalamazoo Jaycee President, Jaycee member since 2000

“When I moved to Kalamazoo I wanted to get involved in my community and meet people so I joined the Kalamazoo Jaycees. Four years later it was one of the best decisions of my life.

“I have made several friends and have had a lot of fun. Some of my best moments as a Jaycee are being the Easter Bunny at the annual Easter Egg Hunt and chairing the annual Haunted House project.

“I didn’t join the Jaycees to develop my professional skills, however, being a member of the Jaycee board for three years has developed my leadership and communication skills as well.

“As President in 2005, I have networked with numerous organizations in the local community and have met many people in my travels.

“The Jaycees provide skills and experiences to help members to be successful. I have seen several members over the years get promotions at work or accepted to grad school because of their involvement with the Jaycees.”

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Julie White

2006 Kalamazoo Jaycee President

“Joining the Jaycees has changed my life. Through the Jaycees I have developed leadership skills that have benefited me in my career, helped work with many local community groups, made lots of new friends, tried many new activities, and even found a husband!”

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Tracy Matrone

Jaycee member since 2003

“I moved to Kalamazoo in the fall of 2003, and for months me and my husband really weren’t involved in much of anything. Both of us realized that we needed something more.

“[Aaron] met a few people who introduced us to the Jaycees. I believe that our first project was Snowball Softball, and then we attended a Super Bowl Party. It was there that the Jaycees came out in force. They all seemed to genuinely like each others’ company.

“A few weeks later, Aaron and I were invited to a Munch & Mingle at the Bilbo’s that used to be on campus. It was there that I met some of the people who would become my closest friends. We joined that night.

“Aaron joined because he wanted to get involved in the community, and I really wanted to meet some new people. In the end, we became very well-rounded.

“Not only did Aaron get involved in the community and I’ve gained many new friends, but we both are involved with pretty much every aspect of this organization. It definitely has had an impact on our lives, socially, professionally, personally, even as a couple. I definitely don’t think that my quality of life would be so high if not for the Jaycees.”

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Garth Davison

Jaycee member since 2002

“To me, being a Jaycee means having a group of friends around that will let you get away with being antisocial for a bit, but is also willing to whip you into shape when the time is right. It means being involved as little or as much as you like in our community and in our local government.”

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David Quinton Worthams

2001 Kalamazoo Jaycees President

“During my years at WMU, I had the opportunity to start a chapter of an international service fraternity on campus. The cardinal principles that we shared were “LEADERSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, and SERVICE.” After I graduated I wondered where I would find those three things in the “real world.”

“Imagine my surprise when I found them at my very first meeting of the Kalamazoo Jaycees. I joined right on the spot!

“During my time in the Jaycees, I have had the chance to celebrate “LEADERSHIP”, helping our chapter grow in size, run more projects that improve our community, and prepare our members for advancement in their personal and professional lives.

“I have had the chance to celebrate “FRIENDSHIP” through the various social projects we hold and through meeting people of all backgrounds throughout my travels in Michigan during my time as a state Jaycee officer.

I have had the chance to celebrate “SERVICE” by impacting the lives of others - especially the children of Kalamazoo.

“LEADERSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, SERVICE” - that is what has made my time in the Kalamazoo Jaycees worth every moment!”

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Eric Schmidt

Jaycee member since 2005

“Being a self-employed graphic designer, I originally joined the Kalamazoo Jaycees as a networking opportunity. However, after less than a couple of months of attending events, I found myself really enjoying the company of the Jaycee members. My original goal of finding new business also resulted in making new friendships!”

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Jeff White

Jaycee member since 1995, 2002 Kalamazoo Jaycees President

“Ten years ago I joined the Jaycees to learn management skills while having fun. Since then, I have run many projects and served the Board of Directors for six years, including the office of President. It has been a great experience meeting new friends, making many great contacts for my business and serving my community. I want to thank the Jaycees for letting me be me.”

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Laura DiRienzo

Jaycee member since 2005

“When I made the decision to move here from Pennsylvania, I was searching for ways to meet new people. I went to the Jaycee web-site to request more information and within hours received a call. I decided to join the Kalamazoo Jaycees and it was by far one of the best choices I have ever made. I have met the most wonderful people. Being a Jaycees has helped better me in all aspects of my life. I am extremely proud to call myself a Kalamazoo Jaycee!”

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Doug Reeves

Jaycee member since 2004

“As I began to think about what I might write as a testimonial, I decided to read what my fellow Jaycees had to say. Like Eric, I joined for the business contacts - actually, through a networking function - but in short order learned how much BIGGER and more rewarding being a Jaycee can be.

“The first project I chose to chair was silent auction to benefit the Great Lakes Burn Camp, a camp for burn survivors who are children. Running this project allowed me to do things and meet people I never would have done or met were it not for this great organization.

“So far as a Jaycee I have had an opportunity to: form new friendships, strengthen existing relationships, give time and energy to worthy causes, recruit friends to strengthen their businesses and the chapter at the same time, not to mention improve my public speaking skills, meet and work on a project with Bill Write, work on a projects with a Mayor of Kalamazoo’s office and the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce, and serve on a Board of Directors. Who’da thunk it?

“I never would have done any of these things were it not for the Jaycees. Developing leadership skills through community service is more than just a mission statement…IT HAPPENS. You will form relationships that will last a lifetime. My only regret is I didn’t find the Jaycees sooner!”

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Derrick Townsend

Jaycee member since 2005

“I first moved to Kalamazoo in 1997 to attend graduate school at WMU. I decided to join the Jaycees to get more involved in community events and make some new contacts. I have learned more about the community since I have been a Jaycee and I have met probably just as many people than in the 8 years since I’ve lived in the area! This is a great group of people who are motivated to make an impact in the community and they know how to have fun in the process.”

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