Joanie Jost has a history with the University of Southern Indiana that runs deep. 

Jost began working at USI in 1973, and once she and her husband Lloyd retired in 1995, they thought it was the perfect time to start volunteering at the university. Jost started as a secretary in the admissions office.

“When I started there, it was just the administration building and the library,” Joanie said.

USI has grown, and volunteers like Jost help run many of the activities the university hosts. Joanie, along with Lloyd, have helped with activities like Senior Day, the campus welcome days and various athletic events.

Joanie and Lloyd also help out around the Evansville community.

Lloyd has worked as a proctor for WorkOne, a program meant to help give skills to people trying to find employment. They have also volunteered at Relay for Life.

The volunteering the Josts do come from a love of USI and the community that surrounds it.

“I have always told friends that once you leave you can always go back,” Joanie said. “It is a wonderful place full of wonderful people. Sort of like a second family.”

The Josts are very involved in the athletic department and are always willing to support the Eagles.

The last position Joanie held at USI was as an administration assistant in the athletic department.

The Josts host a dinner at their house for the men’s and women’s basketball team, and a group of friends help them with the preparations. They all share the same enthusiasm for USI athletics.

“We get to sit down and talk to them like they are family,” Joanie said.

Lloyd also contributed to the athletic department by gathering volunteers and materials to construct the old softball field concession stands.

Joanie and her husband now serve on the advisory board for Volunteer USI. Before that, Lloyd was named the very first Volunteer of the Year at USI.

“They have been around since the beginning,” said Kira Vaal, the assistant director of alumni and volunteer services. “They are some of the nicest people.”

 Joanie cares about the students. She remembers watching some interact with the residents at Jacob’s Village, a residential community for disabled adults, and said it was very touching.

“The world is in a really good place when you see this,” Jaonie said.