Page 12 - CEMS Newsletter Fall 2023

GIVING MATTERS
Senior Class Gift creates culture of philanthropy
With focus on participation, rather than the total amount raised, CEMS seniors pay it forward.
The CEMS Senior Class Gift effort was first introduced
in 2018 as a way for current students to pay it forward
to the rising Senior Class providing CEMS scholarships, establishing a more tangible legacy through improvements to the H. Ted Davis Undergraduate Lounge, and aligning with faculty to inspire giving.
Participation is key
In 2018, 32% of the Seniors participated in the class gift effort, and participation levels have only continued to rise. This past May (2023), 52 Seniors (approximately 50%
of the graduating class) participated in the fundraising initiative, and 25 faculty members pledged a “match” amount for each student donor, amplifying the impact of every student gift.
Straight from the students
Recent alumna Michelle Quan (ChE, MSE ’23) commented on the importance of philanthropy on her education. “I know that my success could not have occurred without the help of departmental scholarships, and I felt like the best way to thank the department (and previous alumni) for that gift was to give my own contribution to the Senior Class Gift.”
She continued, “Seemingly ‘small’ contributions add
up quickly, and you cannot overstate the impact
of philanthropy within CEMS. It’s amazing that the department can offer so many scholarships to our students; nearly every student I spoke with had received a departmental scholarship at one point or another
during their time in the department. The course load is challenging, and it’s even harder for students who need to balance their coursework with working a job to help them afford college. Financial contributions to students can reduce the number of hours students need to work and give them an opportunity to achieve more within their classes or just generally improve their college experience.
Michelle Quan, a recent alumna, benefited from CEMS scholarships during her undergraduate career and participated in the Senior Class Gift as a means to “pay it forward” to the next class of seniors. Photo courtesy of Michelle Quan.
Establishing a connection & strengthening affinity
The Senior Class Gift is a means for students to “pay it forward,” but establishing a connection to one’s peers and the department overall is not achieved through one fundraising initiative. Student engagement throughout their undergraduate careers are critical factors to the success of the Senior Class Gift.
As a double major in chemical engineering and materials science, Quan strengthened her connection to the department in a variety of ways. “Student organizations played a major role in helping me feel closer to other students in the department. I’ve met some of my closest friends through AIChE and Material Advantage (MA),
and I especially appreciated the events held by student organizations or the department to connect students
12 www.cems.umn.edu
continued on page 13