Venita Koenig became involved with the Parents Association on a small scale three years ago when her daughter, Britni, was a freshman at ASU. She would help at an orientation here, an information booth there. Immediately, Koenig found great satisfaction from volunteering at ASUPA events, and now she is one of the organization’s most reliable volunteers.
Last year, Koenig, who is also a contributing member, gave many hours during Fall Welcome and joined the scholarship committee. “Just put me to work” is what she always tells Robin Okun Hengl, director of parent programs.
“The thing I enjoy the most is the interaction with other parents and families,” she says. “I’ve been an ASU parent for several years, so I’m happy to share the things I’ve learned with incoming parents. Britni was an out-of-state student, and her first year was rough, so I can share with parents in that same situation that it does indeed get better!”
Britni, a senior communications major, is Koenig’s only child. “I wanted to be involved with the Parents Association because it is essentially my last opportunity to be involved in this aspect of Britni’s life,” she says. “I think most kids like having their parents involved in their college experience.”
This year, Koenig plans to help with the Parents Association’s homecoming activities. “I’ve seen how much fun they have with that event, and I know that they’ll appreciate whatever I can give. That is what makes it so rewarding and makes me want to help even more.”