August Sustainer Spotlight

August Sustainer Spotlight

Dorothy M. Gschwend (Dottie)

Dorothy M. Gschwend (Dottie) is our August "Sustainer Spotlight." She was a delight to interview and provided many insights about her role as an active volunteer. Dottie was born and raised in Mansfield, Pennsylvania and has a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, (Philadelphia, PA). The University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest universities in America and, as a member of the Ivy League, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education.

Dottie is married to Paul Gschwend. They have two girls Kate Gschwend Miller (sons Jed, Jamie and Van) and Jennifer McGough (husband Pauli). When asked about current volunteer commitments, Dottie replied, "Although I have been busy with volunteer commitments since my Junior League days, at the moment I am not and I miss that community involvement. I look forward to new opportunities in my retirement."

I asked Dottie, "How many years have you been a member of the JLL?" She replied, "I was a JLL Active for 7 years (1979-1986)." Her most memorable placement as an Active was with Project Development. When asked, "What was your favorite placement?" Dottie replied, "My favorite placement was working to develop the Alcohol Awareness Program with the Lancaster County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, now called Compass Mark"

Last, I asked Dottie, "How has JLL improved who you are?" Dottie replied, "This is a thought provoking question. Several things come to mind, in no particular order: I learned to be more aware of the community, its needs and resources; it enhanced my organizational skills and leadership abilities; it provided me with opportunities to grow in a very supportive environment; I learned the value and challenge of collaborative efforts to maximize effect ."

These next sections are fun questions that Dottie chose from a list of twenty. First question, "There's no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?" Dottie replied, "If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be right here! I love living in Lancaster, near family and friends, in a county that has a lively city and a lovely countryside to explore and enjoy. It is always a pleasure to come home, which is a gift to be treasured."

Second question, "How would you feel about working for someone who knows less than you?" Dottie replied, "Working with someone who knows less would not be a problem – as long as that person appreciated what I knew, was willing to share what they knew, to listen, learn and work together. No one knows it all, and learning from each other is what we all need to do better."

Third question, "Was there a person in your career who really made a difference?" Dottie replied, "In both my volunteer and professional life, I have been fortunate to work with some incredibly capable women, women who knew to do the right thing in difficult circumstances, to encourage others to do that which they didn’t think they could, and to laugh in the face of challenge.”

Fourth question, "What attracted you to the Junior League?" Dottie replied, "I wanted to be part of an organization that had done so much to improve its community and empower women to do just that. Our neighbor Joyce Nolt is the person who invited me to join the League when we moved to Lancaster. She helped me to know of all the wonderful work it had done in the community over the years, and of the opportunity for training and building relationships in the League and in the community."

Fifth and final question, "What is the last book that you read?" Dottie replied, "The last book I read was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot – another eye-opening look at our history that is embarrassing to acknowledge!"

Many benefits are derived by those who volunteer their time and talent as well as their financial support. New skills are developed, new friendships are made and new opportunities and experiences are provided. Cary Grant once stated, "Destiny is not necessarily what we get out of life, but rather, what we give." Volunteer efforts can make you happier in every phase of your life and can improve your ability to work with and manage other people. Many thanks, Dottie, for making a difference in Lancaster County by your generous giving of time, treasure, and talent.