Heather Ricks

A school garden/nutrition representative for UC Cooperative Extension

A graduate student in international agricultural development, Heather Ricks is no stranger to community work. She started a volunteer service team within her graduate group, tutored a South American boy trying to learn English and ran a marathon for leukemia. She also spent three months last summer cycling 6,200 miles as part of the Bike America 2003 group, who pedaled from Maine to the West Coast to raise money and awareness for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Why do you volunteer?

I did the bike trip because I think it's a great way to get out and be active for the sake of others who may not be able to be active. I also was motivated by Jared -- a guy in the group whose father and grandfather passed away from Parkinson's. I think, in general though, volunteer work helps me to remember what I have and not to take things for granted.

What sticks out from all the work that you've done?

The connections I've made with people have been great. Most of the things I do aren't one-time things -- I'm in them for the long haul. So I've formed some great relationships and strong bonds with people.

—By Mike Sintetos

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• Do you know someone who is contributing substantially to the campus or local community through his or her volunteer efforts? Dateline would like to honor the unsung heroes among us, including staff and faculty who, in their extra hours, choose to make a difference in the community -- on campus or off -- as mentors, spirit-lifters, docents, builders of homes for the poor, and more. To nominate someone, e-mail dateline@ucdavis.edu or abagronis@ucdavis.edu.