Volunteer Spotlight: Matt Hogenauer

By Daniel Guerriero
04:00 PM Thu February 17, 2022

This February, LIG Global would like to recognize one of our volunteers, Matt Hogenauer, and the impact LIG has had on his life.

Volunteer Spotlight: Matt Hogenauer

Elizabeth Andrew once said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” This statement is strongly emulated by all the LIG volunteers. We’re lucky enough that this month’s volunteer is someone who has a huge heart. Matt Hogenauer has proved that by volunteering with LIG Global on four separate occasions!

Matt is currently a junior at Haverford College studying biology. Not only is he pursuing his bachelor’s degree, but Matt is also simultaneously enrolled in classes that will enable him to earn a master’s degree in bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. He says that his goal after finishing up these two degrees is to pursue medical school so he can continue to use his big heart to improve lives through medical care. In fact, according to Matt he began gaining an interest in medicine through his volunteer work with LIG.

Matt became familiar with LIG and our work through Dr. Natalie Cekleniak. Dr. Cekleniak is both Matt’s aunt as well as LIG Founder, Dr. Ernani Sadural’s colleague. As a high school student, Matt embarked on his first mission with us and never looked back. It was mentioned earlier, but Matt has actually volunteered on four separate missions; once to the Blackfeet Native American Reservation in Montana and to Dajabón, Dominican Republic three times. Throughout these experiences, Matt has always been a leader in the LIG Youth Network and we know for certain that he will carry those leadership qualities into medical school or wherever he decides to take his talents.

When asked what it is about LIG Global that Matt loves most, he responded that he “loves the way that LIG generates a sense of community both within the organization itself as well as the communities they serve.” Adding to the prior statement, Matt says, “the extensive connections made with both the volunteers of LIG and the local partners in the locations they serve is truly wonderful and unique.”

It is always so touching hearing how we have positively impacted our volunteers’ lives. It can’t be stated enough that without our volunteers, our work would be impossible. Having volunteers like Matt that are so committed to using their skills and passion to improve the lives of vulnerable communities around the world makes immensely difficult challenges possible to overcome. Thank you Matt for your continued support, we can’t wait to get back out there with you soon hopefully!