“Philanthropy is all about inspiring people to give to causes that they’re excited about,” said Dan Nasta, FCLC ’19, Fordham College at Lincoln Center’s senior class gift chair. “I’m interested in getting people to think about what parts of Fordham they are inspired by, and to give back specifically to those.”
Over the next two weeks, members of the Fordham Fund and the Student Philanthropy Committee will be on campus highlighting careers in philanthropy, demonstrating the importance of charitable giving, and explaining how fundraising works. Perhaps most importantly, they will show how philanthropy—and Fordham’s philanthropists, in particular—have changed Fordham for the better. Case in point: the funding of scholarships for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford a college education.
“We’re not gonna flag you down for money, despite what it sounds like we’re doing,” said Kathryn Mandalakis, FCRH ’19, the senior class gift chair at Rose Hill. “We really just want to build community overall.”
Philanthropy Week launches on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Lincoln Center with a Thank-a-Thon—an event where students sign personal thank-you cards that will be mailed to Fordham Fund donors. But the bulk of Philanthropy Week takes place from Oct. 22 to the 25. It begins with “Spooky Seniors,” an event where seniors can come and learn about why to give back to Fordham. Event-goers can expect to see Halloween-themed refreshments like apple cider and donuts, a pumpkin painting contest, and a raffle for prizes. Other events scheduled for that week include an open house for Ram Line—Fordham’s on-campus phonathon—and senior class gift tabling.
Last year, Fordham Fund hosted the University’s first Philanthropy Week. Thirteen seniors contributed to the senior class gift, and more than 700 thank-you cards were filled out.
“Just come and say hi, have fun, write a thank-you note, because of course we’ve all benefited from someone’s philanthropy somewhere in the University,” said Mandalakis.
“Philanthropy means giving future Fordham Rams the opportunity to experience everything that I’ve been able to experience—understanding that we have all these opportunities given to us, and just really wanting to continue those for the people who will come after.”
Philanthropy Week Schedule:
Tuesday, Oct. 16: Thank-a-Thon | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Lowenstein Plaza, Lincoln Center Campus
Thursday, Oct. 18: Thank-a-Thon | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | McGinley Lobby, Rose Hill Campus
Monday, Oct. 22: Senior Class Gift Kickoff Event – “Spooky Seniors”
- Rose Hill Kickoff: 5 – 7 p.m. | McGinley Student Lounge | McGinley Center
- Lincoln Center Kickoff: 5 – 7 p.m. | Multipurpose Room G76A | 140 West 60th Street
Monday, Oct. 22: Thank-a-Thon | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | McKeon East Entrance, Lincoln Center Campus
Tuesday, October 23: Senior Class Gift Table
- Rose Hill Campus: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | McGinley Lobby
- Lincoln Center Campus: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Lowenstein Plaza Level
Wednesday, October 24: Thank-a-Thon | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | McGinley Lobby, Rose Hill Campus
Thursday, October 25: Senior Class Gift Table
- Lincoln Center Campus: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lowenstein Plaza Level
- Rose Hill Campus: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. | McGinley Lobby
Thursday, October 25: Ram Line Open House | 6 – 7 p.m. | O’Hare Hall, Room 1841, Rose Hill Campus
