The Catherine McAuley Center (CMC) is blessed by the amazing and generous volunteers that make every day possible. In April 2026, CMC held our inaugural Catherine McAuley Center Awards where we named four amazing members of our community: the Student of the Year, the Founder’s Award Winner, the Women’s Services Collaborator of the Year, and the feature of this spotlight, the Volunteer of the Year.
Linda M. is no stranger to CMC. She has been volunteering since 2014 and serves as both tutor and Board of Directors member. At any given time, Linda tutors as many as 14 students both in person and online. She is dedicated to each student and her care and compassion for moments of learning is inspiring. She is the embodiment of CMC’s guiding values: Empowerment, Learning, Mercy, Community, and Commitment.
INTERVIEW:
CMC: How did you learn about CMC?
Linda: The receptionist at my dentist’s office asked me what I planned to do with my time since I had just retired from my law practice. She suggested that I should volunteer at CMC. I decided to investigate.
CMC: What inspired you to start volunteering at CMC?
Linda: After the initial training, I was assigned my first student. I loved the interaction. He told me about his life. I felt a connection, and I liked the feeling.
CMC: What keeps you coming back?
Linda: The students are amazing. They energize me. They make me feel respected and appreciated. As they become more and more proficient with English, I share in their sense of pride and accomplishment.
CMC: What’s your favorite memory at CMC?
Linda: So many! I suppose some of the most gratifying moments are the many naturalization ceremonies I’ve been able to attend. As the students become citizens of the USA, they include me as if I were part of their families.
CMC: What have you learned as a tutor and board member at CMC?
Linda: I have a much deeper appreciation for our lives here. We have freedoms which many of our students have never known before. I have acquired an admiration for their perseverance. They have shared their cultures and their great senses of humor [with me].
CMC: What do you do when you’re not at CMC?
Linda: Live theatre — I sing and act in community theatre productions. I sing karaoke. I travel. So far, I have been lucky enough to have visited 5 continents. I write stories for my grandchildren. I regularly attend 2 different book clubs. I practice yoga. That’s about it.
CMC: Why would you recommend others volunteer at CMC?
Linda: It’s one of the most rewarding volunteer activities ever! I’ve been here since 2014, and my students have become dear friends.
CMC: Is there anything else you want to share?
Linda: I just realized I haven’t mentioned the CMC staff. They’re wonderful! They remain cheerful and helpful and willing to share their knowledge, even when times are tough. It’s fun to hang out with them, too!
Thank you, Linda, for making the Catherine McAuley Center a place of welcome each and every day. Your impact is immeasurable but never underestimated!