The good Cornellians can do: Jill Schwartz ’82

When Jill Schwartz '82 retired from a career in human resources, she felt the urge to give back. She realized how much she'd enjoyed her interactions with residents of the senior housing facility where her parents lived. So, she decided to volunteer at a local facility for seniors in her hometown of Monroe, New Jersey.

Jill enjoys preparing and serving lunch to a group of “regulars,” who seldom miss a meal. She loves talking story with them, sharing photos of their grandchildren, laughter, and good company.

“Howard R suffered from a stroke a year or so ago, but he didn't let it stop him one bit. Howard knew everything about everything, and he never stopped loving life,” Jill says. “Then there's Marvin, who’s covered in tattoos. His grandfather had the only Jewish-owned tattoo parlor on the Lower East Side of NYC back in the 1930s. Howard is an expert tattoo artist himself, who continues to attend tattoo conventions to this day.”

Jill explains that talking with the seniors has helped her, too—after the loss of her own parents.

Many of these folks, mostly in their 80s and 90s, are like family to me,” she says. “Losing my own parents over the last several years wasn’t easy, but spending time with these incredible people helped me through sad times. They make me laugh, they share wonderful stories, and we all really enjoy each other.”

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.