Amy Fruehling directs the Career Center in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois, Originally from Barrington, Amy and her husband, Keith, moved to Champaign in 1995, when Keith began his job as an Assistant States Attorney. Amy worked in marketing and advertising roles joining the University. Amy and Keith have two children, Brittany (17) and Nicholas (15) and they are excited to have their daughter become an Illini this fall.
Darcy Sementi is the Assistant Dean of the Illinois MBA program. Prior to the University, she was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at PersonalCare. She and her husband Lenny live in Tuscola with their two children who attend Tuscola Community High School: Emma, a Junior, and Cale, a freshman.
Together, they are part of the steering committee behind the Community and Campus Day of Service, which will take place on Saturday, April 11. Volunteer slots are still available, and children can participate!
See why we think Amy Fruehling and Darcy Sementi are Chambana Moms to Know.
Amy Fruehling and her daughter, Brittany, are both active community volunteers. Photo provided
Q: What is the Day of Service and how do people get involved?
AMY: The Community and Campus Day of Service is a terrific way to help those in our community who struggle for their next meal. It’s hard to believe that our own community ranks in the top five highest poverty rates. It’s a great feeling to know that through a few hours of packaging ingredients into a plastic sack, we can create 148,000 or more meals. The meal packaging project is actually a fun event takes place at Memorial Stadium on April 11 and you can pre-register at https://cuvolunteer.org/dayofservice.
Q: Why is this effort important to you and your families?
AMY: This is my fourth year helping with the meal packaging project. In fact, over the last few years, my daughter has also helped with this project as well as Austin’s Day. Her experience at Centennial High School has enabled her to volunteer and also to be a leader and encourage others to make a difference. As President of the Interact Club at Centennial, she has empowered other students to help the community year-round, through multiple different opportunities.
DARCY: I was raised by a mother who has a serving heart, and I have seen her serve others my entire life. Service has always been a part of who I am, and how I have tried to raise my children.
Q: What’s the best part of the event when it is all said and done?
Darcy Sementi and family: husband Lenny, daughter Emma and son Cale. Photo provided
DARCY: 148,000 meals is beyond my imagination – If you eat 3 meals a day for 365 days a year, that is 1,095 meals. This project will pack enough meals to feed 135 people for year. So beyond the sheer scope of the task, I also think it is amazing to see the campus and community converge to complete this task together.
Q: Why is volunteerism such a big part of your life?
AMY: I credit my community involvement to the companies I have worked for that made giving back to the community a priority. At Leo Burnett, all employees were encouraged to give their ‘fair share’ both financially but also through volunteerism. BankIllinois (now Busey) is dedicated to the communities it serves, and as an example, allowed me to serve as a “loaned executive” to the United Way. Having the opportunity to visit non-profit organizations and to see the community needs motivates me to volunteer. Volunteerism and giving back has meant different things over the years. From helping with food drives, simple bake sales or serving on non-profit organization committees, there are ways that everyone can contribute to the community.
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend time in Champaign-Urbana (outside of your house)?
AMY: When not at work or with my kids, you can probably find me at the U of I ice arena. I was a competitive figure skater growing up and taught skating lessons well into my adult life. In fact, teaching skating was my college job as well as my first job when I returned to Champaign-Urbana.
DARCY: We spend most of our time outside the house at ball games!
Q: What is something you can share with us that most people don’t know about you?
DARCY: I love my group exercise classes at Mettler – Monday through Friday I start my day with the 5:30/5:45 am classes!
