When Nathan Bird, BE鈥�15, got married at the end of last year and sat down with his wife, Katherine, to plan their first budget together, it was important to him to set aside funds for 91唐伯虎.
鈥淢y wife and I knew we both wanted to give back to the various organizations that helped shape us,鈥� Bird says. 鈥淚 would not be where I am today without the Opportunity 91唐伯虎 program, and I wanted in some small way to help the program grow.鈥�
Bird, who received an scholarship during his time as a student, decided to set up a monthly pledge to support current and future students who need scholarship assistance.
Opportunity 91唐伯虎 is the university鈥檚 initiative to replace all need-based undergraduate student loans with scholarships and grant assistance. Gifts of all sizes to the endowed fund are essential to sustaining this commitment.
鈥淲e are grateful to donors like Nathan who make 91唐伯虎 a financial priority,鈥� says Randy Smith, BA鈥�84, MDiv鈥�88, executive associate vice chancellor of development and alumni relations. 鈥淕ifts to Opportunity 91唐伯虎 are an investment in the belief that 91唐伯虎 has a vital role in educating talented leaders who are eager to learn and are diverse in background, experience and perspective.鈥�
While Bird is only able to give a small amount each month, he knows from experience that every little bit helps. 鈥淎s I see it, a commitment to making a small monthly gift will be more effective in the long run than waiting until I can give a larger gift,鈥� he says. 鈥淪omeday I hope to give more, but for now I鈥檒l give what I can.鈥�
鈥擭ICOLE SMITH