Herbst ’54 Nears Two Decades of Service with IVC

Nearly 20 years ago, Joe Herbst ’54 came across an ad for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) in his parish bulletin. He had never heard of the organization, but after a long career as a chemical engineer at Mobil (now ExxonMobil) Research and Development, Herbst decided to explore the opportunity further. 

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps offers adults the opportunity to serve at community organizations while engaging in spiritual reflection and growth. Intrigued by this model, Herbst joined the IVC and was placed at Robins’ Nest’s Life Link Home in Glassboro, NJ, a residential community for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. At Robins’ Nest, Herbst worked as a tutor, helping residents study for their GED degree, community college courses, SATs, and driver’s license knowledge tests.

Herbst was a finalist for the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles Community Quarterback Award in recognition of his work at Robins’ Nest. As part of his nomination, a colleague highlighted Herbst’s caring demeanor, unwavering support, and willingness to go the extra mile in his work to impact the lives of those he was serving. 

After six years at Robins’ Nest, Herbst’s IVC placement shifted to Acenda’s Family Success Centers, where he has been for the past ten years. There, Herbst has tutored over 150 individuals, including grammar, middle, and high school students, as well as adults and senior citizens working toward their GED or entrance exams for various academic and professional institutions. In addition to his IVC service, Herbst has tutored 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students in math at the Prep’s neighbor, the Gesu School.

Reflecting on his years of service, Herbst encourages others to join him, especially when it comes to tutoring and mentoring young people. “I strongly believe that one does not have to obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in order to do the type of tutoring I have done,” he says. “Anyone who is a graduate of a high school commensurate with the Prep is more than qualified. I am extremely grateful to the teachers at the Prep and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) nuns at St. Martin of Tours Grammar School in Northeast Philadelphia for enabling me to be able to tutor those who are in need of educational assistance and encouragement. If it weren’t for the IHM nuns, I doubt I would have ever gotten the opportunity to go to the Prep.”