About Marjorie:

Valparaiso resident with a son, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Bachelor's degree in home economics from Indiana University. Master's degree in education from IU. Teacher for 40 years; retired in 1980 from Portage Township Schools. Member of First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso.

Accomplishments: Marjorie Herren volunteers at Porter Hospital in Valparaiso. She joined the auxiliary in 1980 shortly after retiring. "My dad was in the hospital at the time and I went to see him," she said. "I thought I needed to do something constructive, so I asked at the desk and 28 years later I'm still doing it." Herren volunteers five hours every Monday and every other Saturday in the off-campus surgery center. She registers patients for outpatient tests and takes their filled-out paperwork to the appropriate Medicaid, quick check or registration desk. Herren is a past president of the guild and presently serves as a board member. She attends the annual volunteer luncheon hosted by the hospital and at last count had logged 16,000 service hours. "It's a great hospital," she said. "The work they do there is excellent." Herren also volunteers at her church's resale shop. "I like to keep busy," she said.

What is most rewarding about volunteering? "I think you feel good about doing something constructive and you're participating and not just sitting. You're being active and contributing."

Personal hero: "I really admire the girls, the registrars. They really do a great job and they make everyone feel important."

What I read: "I read anything. I go to the library and get three books at a time."

Advice: "Keep busy and be constructive."

How to get involved: For information on volunteer opportunities with Porter Hospital, call (219) 465-4600.

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.