Personal Service
Supporters give time, talent and treasure
Dean Linda Dykstra (first row, second from left) with Graduate Education Advancement Board participants at October 2007 meeting.
For many individuals, charitable giving can be a difficult process. Many worthwhile causes need the financial support of generous donors and the time of willing volunteers. The decision to support an organization with one’s time, talent and treasure is often a deeply personal choice.
For Laurie G. Sanford, the decision to support graduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was influenced by her own experiences as a graduate student—an experience that created a lifelong commitment to Carolina and graduate education. Sanford is now a member of the Graduate Education Advancement Board, a group of University alumni and friends who work tirelessly to improve and promote graduate education at Carolina. She has seen first hand the positive experience of graduate education.
“My oldest child has received a master’s degree and plans to pursue a doctorate,” says Sanford. “My youngest child is considering returning to graduate school, as well. So clearly my enthusiasm and support for graduate education begins at home.”
Sanford’s enthusiasm resulted in her being appointed co-chair of the board’s Development Committee. It is an experience that has only strengthened her dedication to graduate education at Carolina.
“When I see the impact graduate programs have on our students, community and world, I know that this is a worthwhile commitment on my part,” says Sanford.
The generosity and dedication of board members such as Sanford has resulted in increased funding for graduate students, as well as new programs to support graduate life and to recognize the importance of graduate education at the University.
“The Graduate Education Advancement Board's work on behalf of graduate education at Carolina has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Dean Linda Dykstra. “They have envisioned creative programs such as the Impact Awards, which recognizes the many contributions graduate students make to North Carolina and the entire world.”
For David L. Lewis, senior vice-president of the Lord Corporation, the choice to support graduate education at Carolina is both a personal and professional decision. As a doctoral graduate of the University, he is dedicated to Carolina and its students. As a business leader, he understands the importance of graduate education in preparing future leaders. Lewis believes Carolina’s dedication to graduate education, and its support of interdisciplinary scholarship, enables the University to produce individuals uniquely qualified to lead in an increasingly innovative and interconnected world.
“A key reason I support graduate education at Carolina is the added concept of interdisciplinary learning,” says Lewis, who recently finished a three-year term as chair of the Graduate Education Advancement Board. “As a scientist who lives in the business world and depends on many disciplines and types of people to be successful, the concept of intellectual breadth as well as depth is critical.”
For Lewis, the interdisciplinary scholarship being encouraged at Carolina has global implications and he is dedicated to ensuring that the University continues to be a leader in the field.
“For me, the future competitive status of the United States and its companies will be highly dependent on such collaborations and if my small contribution helps people to recognize that, it is money and time well donated.” • J. Todd Brantley