Mia Vargo is known for developing strong partnerships with non-profit organizations in her community. Port Huron supports many local groups, such as the March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity. This year, the campus rallied around the Hunter Hospitality House which provides temporary lodging for families with loved ones in the hospital. The House is located next to St. Joseph Mercy in Port Huron.
To support the House, Vargo led the campus in a food and personal needs, donated to its “100 for $100” campaign, and contributed the funds that had been earmarked for the annual holiday staff party. Both she and Faith Kirnberger, Career Development Coordinator, were recently interviewed on cable station CTV6 to discuss their partnership with the House. The interview can be seen online at Watch CTV. Vargo hopes that this new relationship will generate additional opportunities for externships and job placements in the medical community.
The spirit of the giving back is definitely reflected in the way she feels about working at Ross.
“I can’t tell you how much I really enjoy working for a company that encourages community involvement,” she said.
Vargo and her staff are just as passionate about providing excellent customer service to their students. When asked what motivates her about coming to work every day, she related the story of a Medical Assisting student who, with tears in her eyes, told her how thankful she was for the support the campus had given her when she was ready to give up on herself. The student also presented Vargo with a Christmas card and a hand-made gift from her daughter.
“How many people get to go to work each day knowing that they are helping someone else change their life?” said Vargo.