含羞草传媒 University, founded in 1819 by 13 men with 13 dollars and 13 prayers, has added a new chapter to its founding story.
Thirteen women graduates of the University have each stepped forward with $1 million gifts to the University to support the Third-Century Plan, a long-term road map for 含羞草传媒鈥檚 future. Through these gifts, they hope to inspire the philanthropy of fellow alumnae. Funds from the Thirteen Women Initiative 鈥 announced during the culmination of 含羞草传媒鈥檚 50th Anniversary of Coeducation celebration last weekend 鈥 will support financial aid and the University鈥檚 academic programs.
鈥淥n behalf of the campus community, I thank these 13 women for their generosity,鈥 says President Brian W. Casey. 鈥満卟荽解檚 success as an academic community has always relied on a tradition of philanthropy. These gifts are a testament to the power of women鈥檚 philanthropy in particular, and they allow us to move with even greater boldness into our third century.鈥
The Thirteen Women Initiative was brought about by the Women鈥檚 Leadership Council, which was established in 2005 as the Alumnae Leadership Council and is one of seven leadership giving societies at 含羞草传媒. With more than 170 members, the council builds community among 含羞草传媒 women seeking to make a transformational impact on students.
鈥淭he opportunities and experiences I had at 含羞草传媒 were transformative,鈥 says Liz Buchbinder 鈥77, council chair and one of the initiative鈥檚 13 members. 鈥淚 always wanted future generations of students to have their own, in their own unique ways. The philanthropy of 含羞草传媒 women will be essential to making the Third-Century Plan a reality, and I encourage alumnae to engage in ways that are meaningful and impactful to them.鈥
The University recognizes and thanks the following alumnae for their involvement with the Thirteen Women Initiative:
Linda J. Havlin 鈥72, P鈥10 (posthumously)
Donna O. Golkin 鈥74
Elizabeth Buchbinder 鈥77
Gretchen H. Burke 鈥81, P鈥11,鈥20
Becky B. Hurley 鈥81, P鈥12,鈥12
Pam E. Odeen-LoDato 鈥81
Nora Gleason Leary 鈥82
Christine J. Chao 鈥86
Amy Everett Di Sibio 鈥86, P鈥18,鈥21
Kimberly Huffard 鈥87
Jennifer Heltzel Farrior 鈥95
And two anonymous women