ºìÐÓÖ±²¥app

I arrived freshman year sight unseen. Back then, it wasn’t as common to take massive tours of colleges all over the country. I based my decision on photos from the college’s print materials.

In the fall, the college held a “leaf hop” in front of Old West, [taking advantage of piles of] leaves that had been raked from the quad. I remember hot chocolate, jumping in piles of leaves with friends and laughing uncontrollably! It was not necessarily impactful, but it is a treasured memory and a reminder to let loose and enjoy life.

I volunteered at the planetarium. Professor Ken Laws (physics, astronomy) invited all of us to his home to make a pasta dinner. While we were mixing dough, etc., we got to know him and each other. We talked about his passion for astronomy. I hoped to find something I was that passionate about. For me, it was art. I still draw and paint and visit art collections whenever I can. (Thanks to all of the professors who have influenced my life forever!)

How has Dickinson’s liberal-arts education helped you?

A liberal-arts education introduces you to many fields of study you might not have considered before. But even more important, it teaches you critical thinking. This is the ability to consider all the information before you, form an understanding of both sides of a question or situation and decide for yourself what you believe and how you can act upon those beliefs. It is urgently important to listen to both sides of an issue with an open mind. Studying at Dickinson teaches you these skills. Being an educated person provides lifelong abilities to make your way in the world.

Have you volunteered for the college in the years since you’ve graduated? What was the most rewarding part of that experience?

I have been on my class reunion committee (nearly) every time. The opportunity to reconnect with classmates is amazing. I especially enjoy becoming friends with folks I never knew in college. Also, the excuse of a reunion to make the journey back to campus has given me the chance to see how the college has grown and changed with time while still providing the extraordinary educational experience I so prized.

What inspired your planned gift to Dickinson? What do you hope to do for fellow Dickinsonians?

As an academic fundraiser my whole career, I always hoped to be able to make a . Including the college in my estate plan allows me to make a significant gift to support the college long after I’m gone.

Why do you feel it’s important to give back to the college?

I understand that tuition and grants do not cover the cost of running Dickinson. Without alumni support, so many students could not attend the college, and important programs would not be funded. Attracting the finest faculty and staff takes money. The status and ranking of the college depend on continued alumni support. Your degree is only worth Dickinson’s reputation today.

What advice you would give today’s students?

Open your mind! Read opposing viewpoints! Listen to people you don’t agree with and talk with people you don’t know. Then form your own opinion.

Don’t waste these years. The freedom and opportunities Dickinson offers will not come around again.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow Dickinsonians?

What a fantastic place! I may not remember everything I learned in calculus, but I will always be an educated, discerning person.

I know it’s trite, but try to make the world around you a better place.

Read more donor profiles.

LEARN MORE

• Giving to Dickinson
• The Campaign for Scholarships
• Make Your Gift
• Donor Profiles
• Latest News

Published March 17, 2025