Union Needs Your Support
People who support Union do so for many different reasons. Read through the Alumni feedback below and add your own thoughts about why you give back to Union. There are many reasons to support the college, each one as unique as our Alumni.
In this highly unstable and merciless economy, where everyone knows someone who was either laid off, or is cutting back significantly and foregoing inessential expenses altogether, alums can nevertheless participate in a meaningful way to the greater good by making even an extremely modest donation this year. Therefore, people who may only be able to scrape together $50, $20, $10, $5 or even $1 would still fit the bill – it truly is better than NO donation at all. It’s a numbers game here in the home stretch, where every NEW donor counts towards the total that the trustees monitor. In this way, everyone can express their own appreciation of Union, without feeling that their donation may not “measure up.” Indeed, it does.
Leslie Okladek Seff, Class of 1979
I won't say I give because I am working at Union, that has only increased my awareness for how important giving back is. I give back to Union because of the people I met during my years as an undergraduate. From the Swimming and Diving Coach to classmates living across the world, these close and lasting friendships are something I value greatly in my life. I never would have met any of these people were it not for Union College.
Ridgely Harrison, Class of 2003
The worldwide financial situation this year has left many schools and non profits with fund raising shortfalls and shrinking endowments. I enjoyed my years at Union and knew that my donation would help the college and its active students more now than ever before. As a young alumni I still have strong ties to Union and realize that my participation is integral to the college's continued success. I hope I can continue to help Union and it's students through future donations and active participation in alumni events.
Evan Gouzie, Class of 2006
I give to the Annual Fund because Union was incredibly important in my life, development, maturity and career growth. I needed scholarship help. I was the first member of my family to attend College. The financial aid Union provided made the difference between me attending a College of 3000 students vs. a college of 30,000. My education was superb. Because of my education, I was recruited for my first job directly through the College.
Ellen Rasmussen, Class of 1975
I think it is important to support the school. I had a great experience there and I wanted to give back.
Mrs. Alexandra R. Simes, Class of 1993
I have chosen to give to the Union Fund this year in honor of the Class of 1974 35th ReUnion.
Charles G. Taylor, Class of 74
I have been contributing continuously for several decades. As a pastor my income was modest so my contributions have been modest. I graduated in 1955, went on to seminary and did post-graduate work at Heidelberg University in Germany. I have taught part time at University of Buffalo where I was an adjunct professor in the Philosophy Department. I went to Union with the aid of scholarships and by working part time for a professor. My education was marvelous and superior, as I especially discovered after being involved with graduates from other schools.
Keep up the good work!
The Reverend John A. Buerk, Class of 1955
I chose to donate because I may not be able to next year. So the donation was kind of a hopeful message to the universe to send some charity our way too. Either way, I'm sure Union will put it to good use.
Sara Culang, Class of 1982
The reason I contributed was that I value Union for the education it provided me.
Virginia Smith, Class of 1978