There's a famous quote from Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle who, during the Second World War, said, "There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer." Those words, again made famous during the 2001 blockbuster movie, Pearl Harbor, ring true not only for those in battle, but also for anyone who gives back to their community through volunteer service.

I have been extremely fortunate during my many years as a local entrepreneur. I've encountered as many obstacles as anyone else since I established my business in 1989, but I've tasted even more success in business and in my personal life. Yet, none of my achievements nor accolades would have been worth it if I had not given back to the community.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario is currently my charity of choice, as stroke and heart disease have deeply affected my family. In fact, in 2005 I suffered a transient ischemic attack, more commonly known as a mini stroke — today I am a spokesperson for Heart and Stroke. Over the years, I have also supported numerous causes within our community. I mentioned in this column last week that in 2010, I hit golf balls for eight straight hours in order to raise money and awareness for the London Anti-Bullying Coalition — because of my physical disabilities, I was relentlessly bullied during grade school.

Everyone is surrounded by causes that involve them personally. As a college student, perhaps you feel invincible — and why not? You have your whole life ahead of you. I felt much the same way during my two years of studies at Fanshawe College (my wife is convinced that two years of weekend parties reduced my cerebral matter).

However, it is never too early to start supporting your own community. The Fanshawe Student Union, for example, has partnered with the Pillar Nonprofit Network to help you find a suitable volunteering opportunity. Here at Fanshawe, I am a mentor in the Larry Myny Mentorship Program, a partnership between CIBC Wood Gundy's Larry Myny and the Fanshawe College Alumni Association. The program matches students with Fanshawe alumni and established professionals, and aims to help students in their transition into a desired career.

"Mentorship is an investment professionals can make today to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow," said Myny, who in addition to his VP and senior investment advisor duties fills the role as an active community builder. Myny gets it: you must give back in order to be the best person you can be.

And I get it: student years are packed with reading, writing, arithmetic, hands-on experience and, last but not least, partying. Been there, done that. But it's never too early to start forming partnerships with community service groups.

One of the most rewarding associations of my life came during my eight years as a Big Brother as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area. I even sat on the board of directors for a short time, and saw firsthand how, as Doolittle said, the heart of a volunteer really is a strong force.

Concurrently, there is also much value in becoming a member of a professional association. For example, I am currently a member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada; the Golf Journalists Association of Canada; the London Sports Council; and the Golf Historical Society of Canada. Each of these groups has seen me form friendships in addition to advancing my career. Many associations offer mentorship, government advocacy, education tools, social activities and opportunities to form bonds with community groups like the aforementioned not-for-profits.

In addition to strengthening the college by attracting donor and partner investments in support of student success and other priority needs, the Fanshawe College Foundation has set a goal to be recognized as a leader in building philanthropic relationships within the College environment. Since it adopted its current handle in 1967, the college has always opened its doors to supporting local community efforts, which today include the United Way of London & Middlesex.

Here's another famous quote you may recognize: "Ask not what your country can do — ask what you can do for your country." Those words, of course were spoken by U.S. President John F. Kennedy during his Inaugural address in 1961.

Take it from me: success tastes a lot sweeter when you unselfishly give back to your community.

Award-winning journalist Jeffrey Reed is a Fanshawe College professor with the Corporate Communication and Public Relations post-graduate program and an instructor with Fanshawe's Continuing Education department. E-mail him at jreed@fanshawec.ca.