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In recognition of this year’s faculty and staff giving campaign, the Canisius Fund will be highlighting select faculty and staff supporters throughout the month of February.  Gifts made in support of the 2014-2015 Faculty & Staff Campaign provide essential funding for scholarships and tuition assistance, academic and athletic excellence, and programs that strengthen our Jesuit educational mission. 

Thank you to the 175 faculty and staff who have generously participated this year! 

It’s not too late for you to participate!  If you have not yet made a gift to the Canisius Fund and would like to do so, visit canisius.edu/faculty-staff.  

DONNA ORTOLANI, SENIOR COUNSELOR AND ADVOCATE, GRIFF CENTER FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Donna joined Canisius as an employee in 2005 but was supporting students even before then.

A 1979 graduate, Donna has always valued her Jesuit education and the foundation it provided. Wanting to provide current and future students with the opportunity to receive a Canisius education, Donna made her first gift to the Canisius Fund in 1985, and continues to do so today!

This is just one of the many ways that Donna goes above and beyond on behalf of our students.

What motivated you to make your first gift?

The decision to contribute was an easy one. I’ve always appreciated the education I was afforded at Canisius and this was an opportunity for me to give back. Personally, helping to ensure that current and future students benefit from a Canisius education can be highly motivating.

Why is supporting students through the Canisius Fund important to you?

I believe that an education is something no one can ever take away from you and it’s one of the many reasons why contributing to the Canisius Fund is important to me. There are many wonderful professors here who truly take an interest in their students’ success inside and outside of the classroom. Being able to help a student secure a Canisius undergraduate education is gratifying and for me, is simply the right thing to do.

What is your favorite campus event to attend each year?

The annual Alumni Tent Party is one of my favorite events. It is truly a great celebration enjoyed by alumni of all ages. I especially enjoy seeing recent graduates who felt strongly enough about their experiences at Canisius that they wanted to come back and join in the celebration.

Fun Fact: What is currently your favorite song?

Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars

If you have not yet made a gift, please consider joining Donna and 175 of your colleagues in making a gift to Canisius today at canisius.edu/faculty-staff.

Submitted by: Summer Handzlik, assistant director, Canisius Fund