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COLA wins 2017 fall scholarship
By: Melissa Carrick
@MelissaCarrick
carrckm@findlay.edu
On Feb. 2, classmates joined together to rise to the challenge of paying it forward, as they were encouraged to donate to the Findlay Fund Class of 2017 Scholarship. On the day of the event, information tables were set up throughout campus all day to educate students on the class gift and philanthropy.
“The purpose of the event is to get everyone to give back to a future Oiler. Alumni of UF have given towards supporting education and now as graduates, we have the chance to pay it forward,” said Victoria Walker, University of Findlay Student Development Officer.
Students may be familiar with the event. It was previously called Dollar for Scholars in 2016. This year, the event has since been rebranded by students in one of Professor Scott Grant’s classes in the College of Business.
“The class presented five wonderful proposals and one group proposed Rising to the Challenge and they ended up winning,” said Senior Associate Director of Annual Giving Kendall Richardson.
The winning group also came up with the idea of a three-point shooting contest at the basketball game. According to Richardson the contest would be between six representatives for each college. Dr. Ronald Tulley earned the most points in the contest for the College of Liberal Arts. This means that a student from that college will be selected for the 2017 scholarship.
The goal of the event was to raise $2500 for the class gift and also educate students about receiving a philanthropy cord. The philanthropy cord is a green cord worn at commencement as a symbol of philanthropic pride. There is a three-step process to receive this cord: participation, service, and education. The participation component can be completed by donating at least $20.17 to the Findlay Fund Class of 2017 Scholarship.
“Philanthropy is not just about monetary gifts, it is about volunteering, and it is about education and the giving of your time. That is what this program is all about,” Richardson said.
Students also have to complete six hours of community service and meet face-to-face with a member of the graduating class committee, or attend an educational event.
“This year we have added ‘Make Your Mark,’ a service day on Feb. 25. This day will get students four of the six community service hours needed for the philanthropy cord,” Victoria Walker said.
According to Richardson, there were 50 open spots for the service day and so far, half of them have been filled. To achieve the educational component needed for the philanthropy cord, students can attend the etiquette dinner on Feb. 21. Invitations will be sent via email to students from class president Kaitlyn Carey.
The University of Findlay is highly recognized for its award-winning philanthropy program as Findlay was the first to initiate this kind of program, as well as the first to present a philanthropy cord to graduates. The UF Graduating Class Gift Honor Cord Program won the ICAA Program of Excellence in 2016 and the Pride of CASE V award.
To date, 70 gifts have been donated for a total of $1,314.32. Students can continue to donate throughout the semester to reach the goal of $2500.
“As of today we have 70 gifts, but tomorrow there will be a few more gifts and a few more gifts. Then at graduation countdown there will be a few more gifts,” Kendall Richardson said..
This year, an official committee in Financial Aid will decide which student in the College of Liberal Arts could use the scholarship the most.
“We felt the scholarships were most important to students because if we don’t give them a scholarship it may be that the student cannot continue with school,” Richardson said.
For more information on the philanthropy cord and how to earn it, or to donate and sign up for an event, students can visit https://www.findlay.edu/offices/advancement/annual-giving/Earn-A-Philanthropy-Cord.
“We have to make sure students understand that when they participate and they give $20.17 to their class, it is very meaningful and we appreciate it. Every gift counts and that’s what we want to make sure students walk away knowing,” Richardson said.
