Published on May 15, 2025
2025 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Award Winner
Alive is proud to celebrate one of our extraordinary volunteers, Daniel Liu, who was recently honored with the Youth Volunteer Award at the 2025 Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards, Middle Tennessee’s largest annual celebration of volunteerism.
Now in its 39th year, the Strobel Awards spotlight individuals whose commitment to serving others embodies the legacy of Mary Catherine Strobel, a beloved community volunteer known for her joyful compassion. Each honoree receives a donation to a nonprofit of their choice—Daniel chose Alive.
A pre-med student at Vanderbilt University, Daniel has shown remarkable dedication to hospice care since joining Alive in October 2023. He has spent over 114 hours visiting patients in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes—bringing comfort, connection, and even creativity to his visits. Whether engaging in deep conversations about history or painting portraits with patients, Daniel brings dignity and presence to each moment.
But Daniel’s impact goes beyond his bedside visits. Recognizing the transportation barriers for student volunteers, Daniel secured a grant from the Nichols Humanitarian Fund at Vanderbilt to provide rideshare vouchers. Thanks to his initiative, fellow students have logged 188 volunteer hours, covering 373 miles to visit patients across the region.
As Daniel puts it:
“Your responsibilities as a volunteer are to be in touch with your own emotions and lived experiences in hopes that a conversation can occur.”
This thoughtful approach has inspired both volunteers and staff at Alive, and we are deeply grateful for Daniel’s empathy, resourcefulness, and commitment to our mission.
Congratulations, Daniel—and thank you for helping us care for our community with heart.
