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Philanthropy at Bennington is about “seeing the college in a new light,” as one of our 2016 Student Gift Steering Committee members, Lindsey Sadlou ’16, remarked when asked why she wanted to join the committee.
This year, the Student Gift Program is raising money to add to the Field Work Term Scholarship established by the class of 2015. This fund will generate $2,000 annually in FWT grants for at least 10 years. By extending the life of the scholarship, the Student Gift Program is turning an annual gift into a longer term investment, one that supports Bennington students’ real-world, resume-building FWT experiences. The first recipients of this Field Work Term Scholarship are Doug Campos ’16, Aviva Kornel ’16 and Sam Lawson ’16.
What is the Student Gift Program?
In response to the student body’s desire for collaboration among class years, the Senior Class Gift is now the Student Gift Program (SGP), comprised of students who consider what private philanthropy means for the College’s past, present and future, and work to raise money for an annual gift that honors and represents those considerations.
The Student Gift Program Goals:
The SGP would like to raise $5,000 this year. Gifts can be as little as $5.00, but in order to meet our goal 55% of the senior class and 35% of the full student body need to participate.
How can you help reach this goal?
What does Philanthropy at Bennington mean to us?
“As someone who will probably work for non-profits for most of my life, I recognize the importance of fundraising and charitable giving. Organizations and institutions like Bennington depend on the philanthropy of people who believe in its mission. As someone who has benefited from Bennington's fundraising, I want to help give back to the community.” Arden Jordan ’16
“I see the Steering Committee as an opportunity to learn about fundraising and private philanthropy. Well-funded FWT scholarships are really important to all Bennington students, which is why I decided to join the committee.” Kirsten Vega Tatterfield ’16
“Knowing that I wouldn't be able to attend Bennington without the scholarships I receive, it creates a sense of inter-generational care that I hope to see more of as the school grows. Raising funds for future FWT grants feels like a way to say thank you to those in years prior who have made my experience at Bennington possible.” Lindsey Sadlou ’16
“I receive a lot of financial support through scholarships, and I would not be at Bennington without The Bennington Fund. I see it as not only a duty but as a privilege to be able to give back to a place that has given so much to me.” Olivia Judson ’17
The Bennington College Next Pioneers are alumni from the classes of the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and current students dedicated to helping preserve the educational excellence and integrity of the College. They have claimed a stake in the College's future by making Bennington a priority in our charitable giving.