Written by Shirin Makhkamova

From new buildings and learning space to student awards and sports teams, Brock alumni have been giving to the University since its first class — the Silver Badgers — graduated. With a goal of extending this tradition of philanthropy to Brock University students and young alumni, a newly formed campus club — the Student Philanthropy Council — introduced class giving this year.

With the encouragement of the Student Philanthropy Council, the Class of 2011 is beginning a new tradition of making a group gift to the University to celebrate their graduation. Once students, now alumni, these young minds have numerous reasons for giving back to their alma mater.

Amanda Coppola (BA ’11), for example, self-financed her way through University by working numerous part-time jobs. But it’s also thanks to the donor-supported bursaries she received that she was able to graduate this year from Brock’s Visual Arts program. She’s incredibly thankful for this support and has made a gift on behalf of the Class of 2011 as her way of giving back.

“I hope to inspire other alumni to recognize how much our contributions mean to current and future Brock students,” said Coppola. “Students or alumni, we’re all members of the Brock community; your success is my success.”

The funds raised by the Class of 2011 will support Brock’s Niagara Athletic Playing Field, new resources for the Library and funding for Project SEED, an entrepreneur development opportunity for socially minded students.

“Our everyday use of the Library and Learning Commons is crucial to succeeding in academia,” said Carla Tancredi, a current Brock University student studying Linguistics. “Every student at Brock has benefited from alumni support. As students and members of the Brock community, it’s our responsibility to continue this tradition of giving.”

United efforts bring about change and the Class of 2011 is coming together to lay a foundation for this new tradition. Celebrating their graduation by leaving a legacy of support, our new graduates are following the example of alumni that made their experiences at Brock worth remembering and sharing. The success of one Brock community member is the success of all.

For more information on how you can support Brock University, visit brocku.ca/annual-fund

A letter of thanks dated 1968, from Brock University to a donor. Brock University Archives, Founding Fund (1963-1972).