When Ronnie Volkening, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Ronnie’, steps onto the UT Elementary campus to read to students each week, he is met with cheers, smiles and some of the biggest little hugs you have ever seen.
“The students show great enthusiasm as soon as they see me entering the courtyard. They make me feel like they are as happy to see me as I am to spend time with them.” Ronnie said. 
Ronnie first learned about UT Elementary through his friend and longtime school advocate, Penny Burck. After joining Penny as a guest at UT Elementary’s annual From Pre-K to Ph.D. Awards Dinner a few years ago, Ronnie was hooked.
“I was immediately impressed with the student demonstrations and the pride and enthusiasm displayed by the students, teachers, and parents.”
At the event, Ronnie signed up to join UT Elementary’s Visualize Graduation Society, a multi-year giving society that helps fund the school’s Margin of Excellence programs. These special classes – including Music/Orchestra, Foreign Languages and Cultures, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) – enhance the academic experience for the Little Longhorns and support meaningful training and research partnerships with The University.
In addition to this financial commitment, Ronnie also wanted more hands-on involvement. After discussing with the school’s executive director, Dr. Melissa Chavez, Ronnie decided to volunteer as a guest reader for both Mr. Byrne’s and Mrs. Robinson’s Pre-K classes.
“Reading to Pre-K students on Thursdays is definitely a highlight of my week. The young students are full of energy and excitement, but they are also very attentive and interested when I am reading. I enjoy the many spontaneous conversations they want to share with me.”
Ronnie strongly encourages those considering volunteering to give it a try. “It’s a very small investment of your time, and the rewards to both you and the students are significant. If you ever want to feel like a ‘rockstar,’ volunteer at UT Elementary.”
If you are interested in supporting UT Elementary through volunteering, making a one-time gift or joining the Visualize Graduation Society, please visit www.utelementary.org/support-us or reach out to Sharon Yarbrough, development and communications director at Sharon.Yarbrough@austin.utexas.edu
