Canisius College

This is my last journal entry forever and ever (tear, tear) and it is one that I complete with a degree of bittersweet sadness.  Canisius has been my home for four years and those years have indeed been fun; from meeting new people, establishing lasting relationships with faculty and staff,  getting involved in many activities, and being an ambassador for Canisius, this has been quite a ride.

As the old adage goes “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and with that is a responsibility to give back in some way.  In the many ways that I have given back to Canisius for giving so much to me, I have contributed financially to the Student2Student Fund.  One of many initiatives geared towards helping students be the best they can be, the Student2Student Fund is what I would like to think of as a very tangible commitment to those who could use a little helping hand in making the dream of a Canisius education a reality.  As I have stated previously, I am the part of the student management staff for the Annual Fund, the college’s primary fundraising arm.  The Annual Fund is designed to not only maintain meaningful relationships with alumni, but to generate revenue for the college so that we can offer the competitive financial aid packages that we do; so that we can enjoy the high caliber faculty that we have; so that students can attend school on a campus that has advanced technological resources; and so the best and brightest cannot simply come to Canisius, but to graduate and eventually give back more importantly.

Out of each dollar that the Annual Fund raises, over 90% of it goes back to the students in the form of scholarships, financial aid, technology, activities, as well as other benefits.  What many do not realize is that it does not take a contribution like the Montantes—a beloved Canisius family who gave a much appreciated 5 million dollars recently to go towards our future science complex—to make a difference.  All of those one- and five-dollar pledges and gifts go a long way towards helping leaders, advocates, and scholars become even better at what they do.

If there is anything I want to stress, it is to always be mindful that none of us get where we are in our lives solely through our individual initiative.  There is always someone who is willing to help us get where we are; and for this reason alone, we should always strive to give back so that others can have the same opportunities we enjoy and at times, take advantage of.

As I prepare to allow the horizon to settle on my undergraduate experience, I revel in the light that is my future, paved with golden hopes and diamond expectations.  To all of those whom have read my blogs, I offer my thanks, and to those interested in Canisius, I say go for it, for it will be one of the best decisions of your life.  And with that, I bid adieu to you all, wishing you the absolute best!