Faculty and Staff Testimonials -- Why do I give to Linfield?

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Linfield College is an outstanding institution where students can grow intellectually and contribute to their community and society as a whole. Our financial contributions help make this a reality for them. -- Jim Garaventa (Adult Degree Program)

I give because I care about this special place....and I want the institution to thrive and achieve great things for its many constituencies.  -- Shaik Ismail (International Programs)

As we look to the future, it only makes sense to support an organization that supports the future leaders of tomorrow. I support Linfield because I believe that the best and brightest students attend here. It is my way of saying thank you to our future leaders in advance. I am fortunate to be a part of something bigger than myself. I am glad to donate and encourage others to do so as well. -- Tiffany Helton (Student Accounts)

I believe giving to others is important. I include Linfield in my list of charitable organizations because I know past alumni and staff supported me in my education at Linfield and I want to support current and future students in the same way. -- Jeff MacKay (Student Services)

I support Linfield because I have seen the impact that it has had on so many including myself over my 40 year association with the College. It is one of the true loves of my life! -- Scott Carnahan (Athletics, Health & Human Performance)

I believe in what Linfield does as an institution and I choose to support it by giving back annually. Without Linfield my life would not be as bright and I would not have the many relationships and connections with other staff, students and faculty that I cherish. -- Tami Harrell (Career & Community Services, Counseling Center) 

I give to Linfield because it just feels so darn good! Giving to Linfield is the best evidence of my true feelings for our great alma mater. -- Kathryn Karr (College Relations)

We all teach here because we know of no finer investment of our time and energy than the education of the next generation. We also know that many of our students would be unable to afford a Linfield education if it weren’t for our financial investment in the college as well.
-- Peter Richardson (Department of Modern Languages)

At the institution’s 150th anniversary, I felt compelled to commemorate the celebration by purchasing a brick to mark myself and my family’s association with Linfield and to signal a commitment to be a part of the next generation of the college’s future.  The college is not simply my workplace but also a home.  My best friends are here, my daughter goes to preschool at Linfield, I learn from and continue to grow as a person through my interactions with colleagues and students and believe strongly that this institution is the heart of a very special community.
-- Tanya Tompkins (Department of Psychology)

I make a financial gift to Linfield because of all it has given, and continues to give, to me.
-- Shelly Sanderlin (Public Relations and Publications)

Why do I donate?  Because I want to contribute directly to the continuing viability of the Linfield College reputation, and I know that cannot be accomplished by good intentions alone.  I have also been told that my small contributions as an employee and an alumna are sometimes matched by other donors, and that the contributions of employees and alums often 'count' when foundations consider gifts to the College.
--Jean Caspers (Linfield Libraries)

I feel a little embarrassed because I have not been able to give a lot, but this College has given me a lot more than I can give back. I love the staff here, faculty and the students, they are certainly worth more than I can give. So to say all of that a simple thank you Linfield, is not enough so I will continue to contribute in any way I can.
-- Rick Carruth (Facilities Services)

It is important for faculty to show their support of the College through financial gifts. We shouldn't ask others to contribute unless we believe in the importance of it ourselves.
-- Tara M. Lepp (Athletics, Health & Human Performance)

If I contribute to the arts at Linfield, then programs will be that much better!
-- Gwen Leonard (Music)

Two of my children and their spouses have attended the school, as did my son-in-law's father. It has been a very positive environment to work in the past 17 years. I'm proud to work here and like to have that pride show up in a contribution to the school.
-- Diane Welch (Nursing)

The arts always need visible support.   My wife and I choose to support the Chamber Orchestra because of its special ability to bring together students and professionals, making great music together. 
-- Jim Diamond (Chemistry)

It's important. A duty. Like voting. If you are part of community, you have a responsibility to support it. 
-- Carl Swanson (Athletics, Student Services)

My life is intrinsically bound in the Linfield Community. It's like asking why one supports one's own family. I receive much more than I give . . . 
-- Nils Lou (Art and Visual Culture)

It benefits our programs, it looks good to external donors, if I'm going to contribute to something I like it to be for something in which I believe strongly.
-- Dawn Graff-Haight (Health & Human Performance, Athletics)

I want to help give other students the experience that I had.
-- Greg Hill (Health & Human Performance)

I value what Linfield does, and include it annually in my plans for charitable donations.
-- Dave Hansen (Student Services)

Buying the brick was a contribution my husband and I made together, since he was a Linfield student in the early sixties, and we both believe in the value of a liberal arts education. I would make more contributions if I could donate to a specific cause, namely money to support abroad study for students who cannot afford it.
-- Gudrun Hommel (Modern Languages)

Donors may designate their gifts to particular programs or activities within the College, including International Programs.  Simply specify your wish on your gift or pledge form.  You may also see which programs your colleagues support!

If I give, I feel more empowered to ask others to give as well.
-- David Groff (Portland Campus)

Linfield gives to me in many ways - tuition free classes, staff development and excellent employee benefits. I give back to the college so that these attributes can continued to be shared with all employees of the college.
-- Tracy Rush (College Relations)

It underwrites our work, it is important for the institution in grant pursuits, and it is what every good alum should do.
-- David Massey (Student Services, Religious Studies)

As an alumnus I am proud to support Linfield. Additionally, I believe that the contribution I make to Linfield helps to provide valuable experiences to students.
-- Martha Van Cleave (Mathematics)

It is a privilege to be working in Higher Education and to do so at an institution I care deeply about. Supporting Linfield reminds me that we are shaping the minds that will make our world a better place. I look at it as an investment.
-- Jonathan Pierce (Integrated Technology Services)
 
Donating to Linfield College is another way I am giving to the students we all serve.
-- Karlene Robertson (Registrar)