September and October 2015


Diana Harke

   The Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, Inc., wishes to recognize Diana Harke as their lay "Volunteer of the Month," based on her important help in the business side of our organization since its inception in 2004.
   Her expertise in "all things Math" was nurtured at her high school in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she graduated as their Valedictorian. Then it was on to Indiana State University, as a Math and Physics major, followed by her Master's program in Education from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.
   It was there that she met her future husband, Doug, who also was named Valedictorian at his high school in western Canada! Diana taught Science and English in Junior High in Leduc, Alberta, Canada, and moved on to teaching High School Physical Science and Math in South Bend Indiana.
   Diana and Doug are the parents of three sons, are delighted to have three granddaughters, and are expecting to welcome another grandbaby into their family circle in January. She was a faculty member at SUNY Geneseo for 25 years in their Math department, and has expanded her influence this past year as she mentored a college business major, in connection with the GPOC. She also expects to supervise another student this coming school year, in an intern-like setting at the GPOC.
   During her tenure with the GPOC, Diana organized "Think Tank" sessions for an examination of the operation of this program offered to the public and how it might continue making strides for improvement and efficiency.
   She represented our organization with her attendance at the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics both in Baltimore, MD and in Kansas City, MO. Diana serves as a driver for Catholic Charities. She is also a member of Geneseo's Garden Club, where she has served as its president for two different terms of office. She currently serves as chairperson of the Finance Committee at Geneseo United Methodist Church and is a Board member of the GPOC. Her computer skills are used in our clinic situation, as well as keeping important financial records posted on the computer. She's an organizer and a dedicated volunteer, and the GPOC is very pleased to honor Diana with their "Volunteer of the Month" designation.