It appears on every Miami University diploma. It can be seen at installations at the Armstrong Student Center. But what do the components of the University’s Great Seal really mean?

The book represents the past, while the globe and the telescope represent the present and the future, respectively. Maybe most meaningful, however, is the Latin phrase — “Prodesse Quam Conspici” — which translates to "to accomplish without being conspicuous.” Over the years, Miami University students have lived this motto by donating their time to nonprofit organizations across the region, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County.

Operating under the simple but powerful idea that one person’s time and care can help shape a young person’s future, BBBS-Butler connects adult volunteers — Bigs — with children and teens — Littles — who live in communities across the county. The goal is straightforward: to provide consistent, one-on-one mentorship that helps young people realize their potential. But the impact runs much deeper.

An act of generosity

In a world where schedules are packed and attention is fleeting, showing up is an act of generosity. BBBS-Butler offers several program options designed to facilitate the process.

In 2024, 54 Miami University students were matched in BBBS-Butler’s site-based programs. These programs connect Bigs and Littles in local schools or community centers. Matches meet once a week — typically during lunch or after school — for games, homework help, and conversations that build trust and support academic growth.

“The Miami volunteers are vital to the success of the site-based programs in Oxford,” said Jamie Pytlinski ’96, BBBS match support specialist. “We have Miami students volunteering at each of the elementary schools — Kramer, Marshall, and Bogan. Their friendship, mentorship, and consistency to come weekly to the program is key.”

The site-based match typically ends once the Little goes to middle school or the college student graduates, Pytlinski explained. However, there are times when the Little goes to middle school and the Big is still in the area and continues mentoring as a community-based Big.

The community-based program allows Bigs and Littles to meet two to four times a month and plan their own activities. These outings give Littles the chance to experience new opportunities while gaining confidence, leadership skills, and social awareness.

“We have had some amazing, mature college students who are so committed, do a great job communicating with the Little's parent, and do community-based activities at least twice a month by picking the child up at their home,” Pytlinski said. “They will often do things like take them ice skating, get food, go to a pumpkin festival, play board games at a coffee shop, go to the park, bike rides, etc. One Big who graduated from Miami last year but is living in Lebanon continues to drive to Hamilton to see her Little. She's engaged and just sent me a photo of going to pick up her wedding dress with her Little. Another Big, who got married after graduating, invited her Little and her Little's mom to her wedding. A third Little will be a junior bridesmaid in yet another Big's wedding.”

Mutual growth

While the focus is on helping youth, volunteers often say the experience changes them just as much. Many Bigs describe learning patience, empathy, and perspective — and rediscovering the joy of simple moments. Many Bigs have become interns or staff after working with the program.

“If you love mentoring kids, this is the organization to join,” said Peter Engelhard Jr. ’16, agency relations manager with Shared Harvest Foodbank, who began volunteering at BBBS after graduation. “Hanging out with my Little is the best part of being a mentor and I enjoy passing down the knowledge I have to future generations. My Little gets the opportunity to build connections by assisting me in volunteer opportunities in the community.”

Presence brings confidence

In a world where schedules are packed and attention is fleeting, showing up is an act of generosity.

“Every young person needs an adult consistently in their lives to support them, listen, and give advice, encouragement, and to cheer for them,” Pytlinski said. “My education and involvement in campus activities gave me the foundation to encourage my own kids to have that mentor when they were growing up, despite me being a stay-at-home mom for most of their childhood. Now that I'm working full time, I get the privilege of seeing the mentoring relationships between our Bigs and Littles in an up-close way. The difference in both the mentors and mentees through the power of friendship is remarkable.”

Research backs this up. Studies show that youth with mentors are more likely to stay in school, avoid risky behaviors, and develop stronger social and emotional skills. 

A recent long-term study conducted by BBBS-America found that those who were matched with a Big were 20% more likely to enroll in college. And as they entered the workforce, Littles earned 15% more over their lifetime. What’s even more striking is that their adult income closely mirrored that of their mentors, rather than their families of origin. 

But beyond the data, the real story is personal — it’s in the way a Little starts to believe in themselves after hearing “I’m proud of you,” or in the confidence that comes from seeing someone choose to spend time with them week after week.

“Being part of major milestones in a child's life — seeing them grow their confidence, emotional regulation skills, and really start to shine, are the most rewarding parts of being a volunteer,” said Olivia Tilton ’21, enrollment specialist with BBBS. 

“Last Christmas, a Little wrote me a Christmas card that said, ‘I have so much fun being with you. I am so thankful to have you in my life,’ and that really showed me the impact we are having.”

Erase the wait

As of October 2025, there are 72 children on the BBBS-Butler waitlist. The organization launched an #ErasetheWait program on social media in an effort to find each child a mentor who will listen, encourage, and believe in them.

“Many Littles in our program are not able to participate in extracurricular activities. BBBS-Butler is a free program that allows them to have new experiences while building a relationship with a trusted adult,” said Katy Roberts ‘18, director of programs. “Miami University volunteers make a huge impact on the Littles in our program.”

Becoming a Big is simple. Volunteers attend a brief orientation, complete an interview and background check, and are matched with a Little based on shared interests and compatibility.

Students can volunteer individually or as part of a campus organization — many Miami student groups, including fraternities, sororities, and service clubs, partner with BBBS-Butler each year.

For more information or to sign up, visit bbbsbutler.org or contact (513) 867-1227.