Volunteer work has paid off for three NIU students who received General Motors Volunteer Spirit Awards.

The students received three shares of GM stock and a plaque at a reception Tuesday in the Holmes Student Center’s Sky Room.

Fabian De Rozario, Office of Campus Recreation and GM Volunteer Spirit Award coordinator, said the students displayed true volunteer spirit.

Senior English major Tracey Bumpas, an award recipient, said she volunteered in blood drives, raising money for the mentally disabled and the Minority Student Assistance Program.

“In other things, you can be rewarded with money and such, but volunteer work you are rewarded with a smile and a ‘Thank you,'” Bumpas said.

Anne Marie Sklena, senior sociology major and award recipient, said she volunteers at the NIU Career Resource Center and is a counselor at Safe Passage, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“This has taught me a lot, especially at Safe Passage, because those people feel no one is out there for them. But by answering the phone, they know someone is out there to help,” Sklena said.

Senior economics major Brett White, the third award recipient, volunteers as Campus Activities Board president and serves on the All University Events Board and Student Activity Fee Study Committee. “I feel really honored,” he said.

Alexander Scargall, General Motors plant manager, said these students have special enthusiasm in volunteer work. “They are vital to the campus and nation,” he said.