College Holds National Philanthropy Week

11/14/2017 

Imagine being a SUNY Cortland student on a campus that doesn’t have newly renovated classrooms, up-to-date technology and a scholarship program.

That’s what student Christopher Gutierrez, a programming intern with The Cortland Fund, asked the campus community in a series of electronic communications during Philanthropy Week, which is being celebrated from Nov. 13 to Friday, Nov. 17, for a fourth year at the College.

“We would not have the resources needed to get the best education possible,” said Gutierrez. 

“That is where the philanthropists come in. Thanks to their generous contributions, we have access to all of these things, and so much more. These gifts improve the academic experiences of the students and greatly affect the lives of everyone on campus.”

National Philanthropy Day is Wednesday, Nov. 15. During Philanthropy Week, the College will offer giveaways for students and information on how they can give back to important causes, help to educate students on the importance of philanthropy and celebrate the many individuals across the nation who choose to make contributions to important causes — like affordable, quality higher education.

Philanthropy Week is a time set aside every year to honor the great work done by generous people all across the country, said Natasha McFadden, assistant director of The Cortland Fund, the College’s annual giving program, which benefits students directly with the money it raises.

“The impact that philanthropists have on society is more significant than could ever be measured, and we want to ensure students understand that impact,” McFadden said. “At SUNY Cortland, donations affect every facet of the academic experience and make a daily difference.”

“The week also lets us highlight all the great things our alumni do in return for the great education they received, whether it’s to establish a scholarship or make their annual contributions to The Cortland Fund,” McFadden said.

This is the fourth year that organizers of Philanthropy Week have devoted five full days instead of three to the enterprise, McFadden said.

“This week is all about teaching our students why philanthropy is so important and what it means to be an impactful philanthropist,” she said.

The effort emphasizes “the difference that our supporters make at SUNY Cortland with each and every contribution, and how gifts of all sizes can add up and have amazing results at the College,” McFadden said.

College students and staff members will be available to offer their insights into ways people give back to SUNY Cortland as follows:

• Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Neubig Hall and from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Student Life Center.
• Thursday, Nov. 16 from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Student Life Center.
• Friday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Student Life Center.

At those sessions, student interns with The Cortland Fund and Alumni Engagement office will host a variety of games in which prizes will be offered.

Students also are invited to keep up by posting images on social media about why they appreciate the College’s supporters with the #CortlandGives hashtag.