TDS has named Senior Sales Engineer Matthew Ivens, a Middleton resident, as its most recent Volunteer of the Quarter.
Ivens has a long history of volunteerism that began with delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program. He has also been active and held several leadership roles with the Wisconsin Freemasonry, which works with men over age 18 to become better individuals, community members, fathers, and husbands.
Ivens’ kids are now at the center of many of his activities. He has stayed busy coaching youth soccer, volunteering at school, and chaperoning trips, such as to Young Life summer camp and an Appalachia Service Project in eastern Kentucky.
“Growing up, my parents set a strong example to get involved or help out where you can. Because of that, it can be hard for me to stand on the sidelines when you know something needs to get done, or you know that someone needs help and you have the resources (like time, money, or knowledge) to assist,” Ivens said. “We only have a short time on this planet, and for me, I feel I need to do as much good as I can while I’m here.”
TDS Sales Engineer Tom Schaefer nominated Matt for the Volunteer of the Quarter award, noting Ivens’ many endeavors and writing that “Matt spends most of his day thinking of others and putting their needs ahead of his own.”
“He is always there to lend a helping hand, whether it’s a coworker, relative, neighbor in need, or a stranger on the street,” Schaefer said.
Helping the communities where TDS offers services is an important part of the company’s mission. TDS provides associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer at a 501(c)(3) organization of their choice through its Be Good Citizens program.
