Day of volunteering will honor GVSU alumna who died

Friends and family members of a Grand Valley State University alumna who died a year ago are organizing an annual day of volunteering in her honor. 

Shelby Fazio, from Lapeer, graduated in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in biology. She was killed October 26 while living in Florida, where she completed the Disney College Program. Shine on for Shelby, a day of volunteering, will take place October 24. 

Lee Finch, a close friend of Fazio's, said Fazio was a lifelong volunteer.  

"The purpose of Shine on for Shelby is to continue to shine the light of Shelby and recognize all the good she did during her life," said Finch. "Whether you knew Shelby or not, we're encouraging everyone to volunteer for anything they are passionate about on the Saturday closest to the date of her death."

The Circle K Grand Valley chapter, which Fazio led as a student, will participate. Circle K is a collegiate leadership and volunteer program of Kiwanis International. 

Two professors established a memorial scholarship in honor of Fazio. The scholarship will primarily provide study abroad assistance for students majoring in biology and natural resource management. Fazio studied abroad in Africa. 

Shine on for Shelby falls on Make a Difference Day, a national day of volunteering. 

For more information, email [email protected].