Participation, participation, participation! That is what it’s all about for Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Committee (SPC). Created to help instill a culture of philanthropy among students on campus, the SPC educates Zags about the impact of donor generosity in fun ways, teaching students that it’s not about the amount of money given, but about participation and recognizing the role that philanthropy to Gonzaga plays in financial aid, scholarships and the overall Gonzaga student experience.
“The beautiful thing about Gonzaga is the sense of community that begins during the years we spend here on campus and extends to wherever the future takes us,” explains Tina Balistreri (’13), member of Gonzaga’s SPC. “Throughout my past 3 years as a Zag, I have learned the impact of donor support and how it makes my Gonzaga expereince possible. Without it, I wouldn’t be here!”
To recognize the importance of, and to celebrate, its donors, Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Committee has been taking part in National Philanthropy Week (November 12 – 16), providing fun activities each day to help show how donor-support impacts the complete GU student experience.
“What makes philanthropy so special is that it’s entirely voluntary and it makes a big difference,” says Jana Wolff, Program Manager. “This committee is dedicated to developing a culture of philanthropy among students on campus as they become familiar with all it means to be a ZAG FOR LIFE! We have nearly 14,000 donors who contribute to Gonzaga on an annual basis, enhancing the quality of the educational experience and lessening the financial burdens for our students. It is powerful and inspiring, and it truly lends to continuing to build the Gonzaga Community.”
Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Senior Fund
The Gonzaga Senior Fund, led by the Student Philanthropy Committee, chaired by seniors, is the first step in the transition from student to dedicated, active and engaged alumni.
“As part of Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Committee, we strive to help students see this impact and to cultivate a spirit of giving back in the future,” says Balistreri. “Our culminating project is the Senior Fund, where seniors have the opportunity to give back to an area of GU that has particularly impacted their Zag experience. In this 125th Anniversary year, we reflect on the cycle of giving and how it is a wonderful way for Zags to pay it forward and give thanks.”
For over 30 years, the senior class has made a gift to the University as a final step in their journey at Gonzaga. These funds are directed to the programs on campus that support areas that have had an impact on students every day. The Senior class legacies have included such gifts as:
- The fountain between College Hall and Crosby
- The amphitheater and gazebo near Lake Arthur
- The Gonzaga Outdoor Program
- The Bronze Bulldog in front of McCarthey Athletic Center
- Endowed scholarships
- Scholarships to the Annual Campaign, i.e. Fund for Gonzaga, General Scholarship fund, Matt Madison Scholarship fund, Senior Scholarship Fund, CCASL
- Student activities
This year, SPC invites the class of 2013 to become part of the legacy and tradition that has made a Gonzaga experience possible.
Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Committee Mission Statement
The Gonzaga University Student Philanthropy Committee is dedicated to educating students about the impact of donor generosity and what it means to be future Gonzaga alumni. The committee will provide ways for current students to leave their legacy through philanthropy and the distinguished tradition of humanistic, Catholic, and Jesuit educations to enhance the future of Gonzaga University.
Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Committee Goals
- To engage the Gonzaga community in the education and encouragement of students in the development of students in the development of attitudes of philanthropic awareness and service through the investment of time, talent and financial resources.
- To educate current Zags about the impact of donor support on their Gonzaga experience.
- To engage students in a form of giving back, ensuring the continuation of the giving cycle.
Get involved today!
To learn more about the Gonzaga’s Student Philanthropy Committee and Senior Fund, please contact Jana Wolff, Program Manager at (509) 313-6378 or wolff@gonzaga.edu.