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The Life of a Gift
“ My education and so many opportunities to define my path have become a reality because of the merit-based scholarship I was awarded upon my acceptance to Bryn Athyn College .”
– ALAIR BROCK (’ 18 )
BIOLOGY MAJOR
It all starts with “ wouldn ’ t it be nice .” Wouldn ’ t it be nice if the College could provide more scholarships to deserving students ? Wouldn ’ t it be nice if the College could expand its academic offerings ? Wouldn ’ t it be nice if that student organization or that theater production was better funded ? Such questions swirl in the minds of donors and begin a process that results in the maintenance and growth of Bryn Athyn College .
In a true testament to the generosity of the College ’ s alumni and friends , after “ wouldn ’ t it be nice ” often comes “ how can I .” Sometimes , a grateful College staff member receives a check in the mailbox in Pendleton Hall , simply made out to Bryn Athyn College . Other gifts include directives in the memo line — like “ scholarship fund ” or “ annual fund .” Yet others come in the form of email confirmations from support given online . And , after some processing in the Brickman Center , all gifts are directed to staff in Pitcairn Hall for further processing . Information is carefully logged into a central database , to send out accurate receipts for tax purposes and to properly thank supporters . And while this thank you letter may be the last step in the chain from the donor ’ s perspective , the gift still has miles to go .
Now mingled with other gifts in funds expressly for the donor ’ s stated area of interest , the gift takes on new meaning . It becomes a wall in a new dormitory , electricity to keep the Brickman Center open at night for Vespers services and for study groups , or a student scholarship .
Each year , hundreds of donors breathe life into the College by supporting student scholarships , academic programs , campus facilities , annual operating costs , and much more . All students benefit from these generous gifts . They carry these gifts with them as they leave the classroom and go into the world , injecting conscientious thought , creativity , and energy into their endeavors . And the impact of these gifts spreads across graduate school classrooms , corporate board rooms , nonprofit causes , and more , as Bryn Athyn College alumni make their mark around the globe .
— Amanda Lichtenstien
To learn more , please visit www . brynathyn . edu / donate .
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