With a 22 percent increase over last year in participation by current faculty and staff and more than $500,000 donated in 2014-15, Canisius celebrated its faculty and staff donors at the annual Faculty & Staff Donor Thank You Luncheon on Wednesday, March 31.
In total, 302 current, former, and retired faculty and staff made contributions this year in support of the Canisius Fund, endowed scholarships, and/or capital projects. “While gifts to the Faculty & Staff Campaign support virtually all areas of campus, it is our 4,181 students who benefit most,” shared Walter Sharrow, PhD, professor emeritus of history, and co-chair of the faculty and staff campaign. “Our philanthropy supports the educational experiences that are part of the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor for our students.”
At the luncheon, Emily Dorward ’17, Megan Teed ’17, and Angel Saldivar ’18, whose pictures have been featured in this year’s campaign materials, as well as on the Faculty & Staff Recognition Wall, shared what about their Canisius education they are most thankful for and expressed their sincere appreciation to the donors for making their Canisius education possible.
“The Jesuit values that define the Canisius experience have shaped my life in the way I know it,” expressed Dorward. “I strive every day to live as a woman with and for others.” Teed shared her appreciation for the opportunity to serve the community with people she loves while Saldivar thanked donors for the institutional aid he receives. “If I did not receive the assistance that I did, I would not have been able to attend Canisius and receive the rich education that is offered,” said Saldivar. “As a first-generation college student, this opportunity means everything to me.”
President John J. Hurley also spoke at the luncheon, conveying his sincere appreciation to faculty and staff donors for their added measure of commitment by giving to Canisius.
With less than two months to go in this year’s campaign, there is still time to support your favorite academic department or campus initiative. Please consider joining your colleagues in making a gift to Canisius today at canisius.edu/faculty-staff.
Thank you for all that YOU do each and every day to make a Canisius education possible for our students.
Submitted by: Summer Handzlik, assistant director, Canisius Fund
