The walls of Olivia White's office are barely visible, covered by testaments to a lifetime of achievement and service.

White, the dean of students and vice president for student life at Hood College, has to check the dozens of plaques and service awards to remember all the organizations she has led or belonged to.

A short list includes: The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority of Frederick County, the Heartly House, an agency providing help to victims of domestic violence, and her church, Beltway Church of Christ in Suitland.

White was also involved with Women Work!, a national organization that helps women displaced from their homes from divorce or the death of a spouse to become more self-sufficient. White eventually rose to become president-elect of the organization.

"It was probably one of those experiences that opened my eyes to injustices and gave me a passion to help people even more," she said.

Though her duties at Hood occupy most of her waking hours, she still finds time to connect with those she cares about.

"My plate is full," White said, "but there's always room for more. I have so many interests."

Faith plays an important role in White's life. She attends church more than three times a week, volunteering in her few free moments.

"Whenever I can, I help serve, washing dishes or serving food when they have fellowship meals," she said.

White, 54, said she owes her success to her husband, who died in 2005 of acute leukemia; her parents and four children, who help keep her focused, balanced and grounded; and the community in which she is involved.

"During the time my husband was sick, we had such a great experience seeing the friends we acquired over the years come back in such a meaningful way, and at an important time in our lives," she said. "The love that was shown, the calls, the e-mails, the cards, the visits, from literally all over the world. I want to keep connecting and reconnecting with the people in my life. I don't want to lose these connections, because they've made a difference."

This article was provided by: Fredrick Newspost
Written by: Nicholas C. Stern