Passion for Giving Back is What Leads Schroeder '11, Farrar '26, and Reagan's '26 Careers
February 26, 2026By Fatima Magaña '22
ALLIANCE- Giving back to the community and to students is at the heart of the University of Mount Union’s core values of belonging, leadership, and service. Black History Month is a time to honor those who pass on their passion for giving back in ways they can. Abby Schroeder '11, director of the Regula Center; Jeziah Farrar ’26, marketing major; and Abby Reagan ’26, primary education and intervention specialist major, were this year’s honorees at Mount Union’s Black History Month Pathfinder Lecture on Thursday, February 26.
Schroeder '11 (left), Farrar '26 (middle), and Reagan '26 (right) after receiving their award
“I grew up in a family that has always demonstrated taking care of your community and your neighbors through various outlets; my parents and grandparents lived their values in all they did,” said Schroeder. “Whether it was penny wars for the school PTO, food drives for those in need, doing something kind for a fellow member of our church, or going out of our way to assist a family member – my parents and grandparents were the kind to always show up.”
Schroeder’s journey in community service and giving back to her community evolved at Mount Union when she met Dr. Stephen Kramer. She was inspired by Kramer’s dedication to improving the lives of others and to educating and leading Mount Union students with unmatched care. Therefore, Schroeder wants everyone at this year’s Black History Month celebration to know that she is grateful for the recognition, but she hopes people feel inspired and get involved in their communities.
“We are changing lives through working with community partners and making a difference in our community,” said Schroeder. “Get involved — there is a chart I share with students that shows that civic engagement is philanthropy, direct service, awareness, association involvement, social responsibility, political involvement, community research, and it resonates with me.”
Schroeder '11 at the Black History Month Pathfinder Lecture
Farrar’s journey at Mount Union took a unique turn after his athletic career ended. He found a purpose in giving back to his community. He owes his involvement on campus to his Christian faith because he wants to serve with the same love and dedication that the Christian religion does.
“My personal life journey, the ups, downs, and the testimonies that yielded something beautiful during my time as a student, shaped my desire to help others,” said Farrar. “The most rewarding thing I’ve learned from being part of the Regula Center, Raiders Cove, and the Regula Scholars is that you can make someone’s day through a simple act of compassion.”
For Farrar, Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the past and look ahead to what the future holds. Farrar also acknowledges that Black History Month allows people to connect with their roots, and that’s why he wants to give back to people in his own way – learning Spanish to communicate with people of other cultures and traveling abroad to help impoverished communities.
Farrar '26 at the Black History Month Pathfinder Lecture
“Traveling to the Dominican Republic twice during my collegiate journey has given me a true excitement to step into a career on the business side of healthcare,” said Farrar. “I want to be a part of a good impact on a community and in the world, and I feel that I can do that by focusing the talents that Jesus Christ has instilled in me on healthcare.”
Reagan knows that being a teacher is about more than just teaching – it’s about being there for students when they need someone. Therefore, her involvement in public service has reinforced her decision to work with students.
“Helping others has always been a pillar of mine, so being involved in Alpha Phi Omega led me directly to community service,” said Reagan. “Chanda Rhodes Coblentz, associate professor of education, carried me through my education journey; I just passed my phonetics exam, and she was very helpful with the preparation for it. Caitlin Reasch, assistant professor of education, is my role model because of how she interacts with students, which is how I aspire my teacher-to-student relationships to be.”
Reagan '26 at the Black History Month Pathfinder Lecture
Reagan has always fought for equality, so being recognized during Black History Month lets her know that she is on the right path. She wants people to take away that for others to succeed, they need to form part of each other’s ‘village.’
“My brother was adopted at three months from Vietnam, and the horrific things said to him are what inspired me to speak up for those who are scared to do so,” said Reagan. “Be a villager, be accountable for your community; recognize that intrinsic motivation to be together and want to be better.”
Learn more about getting involved in the campus community through the Regula Center.