Nearly a year ago, on April 21, 2015, Fr. Eric Hollas inaugurated the Advancing Saint John’s blog with the following statement: “Every Tuesday I and my colleagues in the Office of Institutional Advancement look forward to sharing with you the stories of the people who fill the halls of Saint John’s. We want to tell you about the student whose hard work has carved out a promising future. We want to give a glimpse into the lives of alumni who have come to embody the values of service and hard work that are the hallmark of our alumni. And we want to update you on the dedication of our faculty and staff, whose energy drives the entire community.”
That was the very first post. Today I have the privilege of writing the 50th. It’s an honor that I eagerly embrace, and on this special occasion I would like to pay tribute to a member of our faculty who has made a remarkably generous donation to Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s.
Last fall one of our faculty members, who wishes to remain anonymous, informed us that she and her mother plan to make a $1 million will provision to Saint John’s University. This gift is for a scholarship fund for first generation college students attending Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s.
A million-dollar donation is a big deal, especially from a professor. It speaks volumes about her generous spirit as well as about her dedication and commitment to our academic community. In the words of Fr. Eric, it speaks to “the dedication of our faculty and staff, whose energy drives the entire community.”
This gift springs from a family’s deep commitment to education. The child of two first generation college student parents, this professor credits her parents with instilling in her the importance of a college education. As a result, she feels blessed to be able to give back and support first generation students.
“My mother taught in the Osseo school district for 30 years. She was a first generation college student whose father told her that attending college was an expectation, not an option. She feels fortunate that college was affordable for many in her day, and is pleased that our gift will provide an opportunity for today’s first generation students.”
“Between my dad, my mom, and me we have five degrees and one certification from the University of Minnesota. My mom and dad were both alumni association members and years ago used to go to Gopher football games. I told my mom that I wanted my gift to go to Saint John’s if I am the last survivor and asked her if she wanted it to go to University of Minnesota first generation students if I predeceased her. There was a pause (it was a phone call), and she just said ‘no.’ We both agreed that today’s first generation would probably do better in a small supportive community like CSB/SJU.”
“I feel fortunate that college was affordable for me, and I’m pleased that our gift will provide an opportunity for today’s first generation students.”
I am truly inspired by this gift from one of my faculty colleagues. It’s no secret that school teachers and college faculty earn modest salaries. This makes this donation all the more impressive. But what moves me most about this commitment is their devotion to students as well as their passion for and commitment to Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s. From my perspective, this gift is the highest possible endorsement of our educational mission.