Ted Turner once said, “The world and life have been mighty good to me. And I want to put something back.”
California Polytechnic State University has been mighty good to numerous students throughout the decades, and the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) is reminding us all to put something back. SPC is a student-led effort created to develop a culture of philanthropy among Cal Poly students and to promote an appreciation of the impact that private donations make at Cal Poly. SPC was conceived in April 2008 by the Foundation Board. Since then, the foundation has brought back the senior class gift, and is holding the first ever, Days of Philanthropy May 18 to 20.
Days of Philanthropy is an opportunity for students to realize and appreciate that Cal Poly would not be what it is without donors’ philanthropic efforts.
“We hope to bring new value and appreciation to the degrees that we earn here, instill a sense of community inspired by giving and encourage students to find ways to thank these donors through service to each other and the community,” Evan Leblanc, vice president of SPC said.
During the three-day event, students will be educated about the philanthropy on campus with signs posted at donated buildings, putting a face and story behind the charitable walls. Students will be encouraged to voice their views of philanthropy at a display on Dexter Lawn, and the SPC will provide information on ways to get involved with philanthropy, through campus community services and programs.
“This is the first of what we hope will be an annual event. As for what we will do in the future, we will have to see how students respond to this year’s event and tailor subsequent programs to suit. The plan is to think big,” Leblanc said.
A forgotten custom that the SPC has brought back to life is the giving of a senior class gift. The SPC re-established this tradition in 2009 by raising enough funds to purchase a bike rack that now rests next to Campus Market. After polling seniors through e-mail, the 2010 graduating class decided to give a scholarship as their senior class gift.
“Our hopes are for the senior class donations to grow each year so we can provide our future students with even more resources than we have,” Sarah Storelli, president of the SPC said.
Before 2009, the last time a senior class tried to give a gift was in 2001. Funds were raised for a fountain to be built in the University Union, but not enough money was raised for the project. The fountain was never built and the funds have been discovered by SPC — they are in the process of being directed to a scholarship endowment. The plan is to start a scholarship by fall 2012.
“Not only can graduating seniors donate but also parents, friends, alumni, undergraduates, graduate students and anyone who loves Cal Poly,” Storelli said.
If you are interested in joining the SPC or making a donation, check out our website www.spc.calpoly.edu.
Brett Edwards is an environmental management and protection freshman and Mustang Daily guest columnist.