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As the executive associate to the vice president for enrollment management, Maggie Burkard sees first-hand how tuition assistance for students can make the dream of a Canisius College education a reality.

Recognizing the role of philanthropy in providing financial support to students, Maggie made her first gift to the Canisius Fund in 2014.

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

One of the things that I enjoy most about my position at Canisius is talking to families at admissions events, such as Open House, Accepted Students Day, Scholars Day, etc. I find that in most cases, it’s not a question of whether they want to come to Canisius, because most of them do, it’s whether they can afford to come to Canisius. If I can help at least one of those families fulfill that dream, it will be worth it.

Why do you think it’s important for faculty and staff to support Canisius?

For a long time, I thought that requesting donations for Canisius was mainly directed toward alumni but after reading the letter from Gary Everett last year, I realized that if we as staff (and faculty) are not willing to support the college, how can we expect others to do so? Canisius is not just our employer; it is an institution that provides an outstanding service to the students who choose to come here. When making the decision as to where to make any financial contribution, we as donors usually choose an organization that has personally touched our lives or the lives of people close to us. We believe in the mission of that organization and feel that it provides a valuable service to deserving individuals; one that is close to our hearts. Canisius is all of that. It is important to not only support Canisius financially but remain faithful to serving its mission with dedication and gratitude.

Fun Fact: Where is your favorite place to get chicken wings from in Buffalo?

Grovers Bar & Grill in East Amherst.

If you have not yet made a gift, please consider joining Maggie 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