"Why I Volunteer," Featuring Patrick Swem

At Sturgis Bank, the spirit of volunteerism is woven into our company culture. Employees like Patrick Swem, VP Commercial Lender in Berrien County, exemplify our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve, proving that small efforts, when multiplied, can lead to a lasting impact.

“I firmly believe in servant leadership,” Patrick said. “A community truly shines through the volunteers who take on tasks that are often challenging to tackle. These individuals are dedicated to making the world better for their neighbors.”

Patrick is an active volunteer throughout Berrien County, especially in Buchanan, where he serves as an elected official for the city. “My hometown is incredibly important to me, and it’s vital to continue giving my time, effort, and energy to my community,” Patrick emphasized. Although his involvement may vary from year to year, he consistently works with several organizations on an ongoing basis:

Berrien County Landfill
Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce
Buchanan Little Bucks Basketball
Buchanan Tree Friends
City of Buchanan – Elected Official
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce

Patrick’s commitment to volunteering goes beyond his personal passion: it is a shared family value. He actively involves his children in community service, teaching them the importance of giving back and contributing to something larger than themselves. “It’s easy to go through life without establishing roots, but this experience helps them understand that there is more to the world than just self-serving interests,” Patrick shared.

One of his most memorable volunteer experiences was participating in a large-scale tree-planting event with Buchanan Tree Friends. Alongside his two daughters, Patrick helped plant trees at a local school, joining nearly 150 volunteers in an effort to enhance the natural beauty of the community. “It’s an experience my girls still talk about today,” he said.

Through these efforts, he has created cherished memories and cultivated meaningful relationships that have transformed into lasting friendships, further reinforcing the benefits of community service.

While much of his volunteerism happens outside of work, Patrick acknowledges Sturgis Bank’s support in allowing him the flexibility to make a difference. “Sturgis Bank sees the importance of leaders who represent their organizations volunteering for their communities and the commitment to that value generously affords me the time to make an impact,” he said.

At Sturgis Bank, we are grateful for our employees, like Patrick, who step out of the office and into the communities we call home. They are the reason our hometowns continue to grow and thrive.