Giving starts here

Nicolette Speer, who graduated in August with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, believes that the concept of giving back is especially important in the health care field. 

“By being involved in philanthropy, you have the ability to impact more lives beyond your patient population,” she said.

The university is supported by about $70 million a year in philanthropic gifts. These contributions establish endowed professorships or chairs, fund new scholarships, support research or name a laboratory, center or school. Familiarizing students with the importance of giving back is the goal of the Student Legacy Council, said Sabrina York, director of donor and alumni relations in the Office of Institutional Advancement.

“The council is laying the foundation to keep students involved as alums,” York said. “The council’s goal is to promote awareness of philanthropy and the difference it makes to their experience as students so that when they graduate, they will be inspired to give back as alumni of their schools.”

The council, established in 2016, has 25 student members, five from each school in the university, who seek to involve fellow students.

“Whether you’re donating to a cause that you feel passionate about or giving your time volunteering, your small act of giving can make a difference in peoples’ lives,” said Speer, a member of the council.