L&C Student Philanthropists Are the Best!
As we say goodbye to 2024, we’re counting our blessings for another great year of student philanthropy!
From our Phonathon Ambassadors, to Student Philanthropy Council volunteers coordinating Thank-a-Donor Day and Pumpkins for Pios, to Day of Champions’ Hour-a-thon, Lewis & Clark students are consistently building connections with current and past students, alumni, parents, faculty, friends, and staff, increasing support for essential financial aid/scholarships and academics/athletics programming.
As well as building interconnectivity, student philanthropists hone valuable soft skills, important because they enable effective communication, collaboration, and positive interpersonal relationships, which are crucial for success in any job, allowing individuals to work well with others, build trust, lead teams, and navigate complex situations–all ultimately the goal of a liberal arts education at Lewis & Clark, in alignment with its strategic plan to cultivate graduates ready to change the world. Here are a few examples of student philanthropy’s impact in our community:
- Listening to very personal stories can be hard, but you could be the reason why someone’s day gets better, says Student Philanthropy Council President and Phonathon Ambassador Elie Al Khoury BA ’25, a Lewis & Clark biochemistry and molecular biology major. “I once listened to a mother worried for her child and told her that everything was going to be okay, and she donated $3,000 right there and then.” Elie says he loves the process of fundraising, especially bringing awareness to funds that can help our community, like the L&C emergency fund for students with immediate financial hardship.
- Eliana Essman BA ’25, Student Philanthropy Council vice president majoring in International Affairs (photo above at our 2024 Thank-a-Donor Day), says fundraising reinforces in her mind the enduring spirit of the college, and its lasting impact on students. “It’s fascinating to hear alumni stories about how the college has evolved, while also learning about the traditions and values that have remained consistent,” she said. “One thing I particularly appreciate about Lewis & Clark is the close-knit community fostered by our small class sizes, and it’s always exciting to hear alumni share that same experience, even if it was 60 years ago.”
- Knowing your audience is also helpful to fundraising! Student-athlete philanthropists played a substantial role in raising funds for Day of Champions, a 24-hour day of giving to support L&C Athletics. Led by talented freshman quarterback Kaunaoa “Oa” Kamakawiwoole BA ’28, who single handedly brought in 14 gifts during one hour of fundraising calls, about 400 L&C athletes raised $145,000 for Day of Champions this fall, which was more than half of the total dollars raised. Oa, majoring in rhetoric and media studies, is from Honolulu and made 20 calls to the islands in 60 minutes for the Hour-a-Thon.
Thank you, student philanthropists! We appreciate you.
