Pathy Leiva ’18
As the Director of Access and Opportunity Programs as SUNY Oneonta, I was raising money for a fund to supplement CAMP’s federal funding, and I started to think, “How can I ask you to give if I don’t give?” So, I started to give. Some money goes to the CAMP fund, some goes to a fund for AOP students, and some goes to general scholarships. It may not be a lot, but I give to all three. My wife and I support a lot of causes, including the Fund for Oneonta. We give because we’ve been lucky enough to have. We believe that $50, $20, $10, even $1 makes a difference.
I started giving because of my students. But I keep doing it because more than just my students benefit. As a donor, I’m probably more committed to the University. And the reverse is true, too — I give more because every year that I’m here, I become more committed.
William Pietraface
As a retired faculty member, Foundation Board member, and scholarship donor, I know that there is nothing more rewarding than to have a student tell you that you helped them pay their expenses so that they didn’t have to work during the academic year, that you reduced some of the stress of attending college, and that you helped to lower their student debt after graduation. All very tangible things. But there is also one intangible result of giving and that is the good feeling you get inside knowing that you made a difference in a young person’s life.
Darryl and Tami Lincoln
My wife Tami and I believe that it is more important than ever for students to obtain a college education in today’s world. We are proud to say we have two SUNY Oneonta University Red Dragon graduates, and a daughter who is a senior at Kutztown University. Our oldest son, who is on the Autism spectrum, received education support services from the school which were instrumental in helping him complete his degree. Those services were available as a result of generous giving from donors, and the school’s commitment to allocate resources to support those services.
Rising college costs are making it less affordable for students to attend. SUNY Oneonta has been at the forefront of providing the highest quality, lowest cost education in this region. Students leave our school with superior educational experiences, minimal student debt, and campus experiences that will enrich their careers and lives well into the future. We give so that we can support the school and its mission of making the dream of college possible for as many students as possible. We give so our students today and, in the future, can Grow, Thrive and Live.
Lisa Ferrero ’85
As an alumna, I know the education I received at SUNY Oneonta enabled me to achieve a better life, but all too often cost blocks the way for today’s youth to access education. Today, over 80% of SUNY Oneonta students have financial need and the global pandemic has only exacerbated the need. Gifts to increase scholarship funding, the Unrestricted Endowment, and the Fund for Oneonta will help keep SUNY Oneonta affordable, accessible, and inclusive, providing today’s youth the same shot at success we enjoyed.
Sean Daly ’11
Not only are you supporting current students and the College's needs today, but, through prudent management and the Foundation's ability to take a long-term view on stewardship, you wind up supporting students on a practically perpetual basis. A gift today keeps on giving to students 10, 20, 30 years from now.
Nancy Pierce ’77
Serving on the Foundation Board has given me a front row seat to the difference the Foundation makes in the programs the college offers and the lives it can change. Without the funding provided by the Foundation many of our students wouldn’t be able to attend college at all, and many more students would be left out of the enriching experiences that have become table stakes at competitive schools such as SUNY Oneonta. It can make the difference between a good education and a great one.
Andrea Casper ’75
I hope scholarship support can also impart a lesson of generosity that students may incorporate into their lives. My post-college internship was integral in starting my career in healthcare and regulatory sciences, providing me with a pathway to explore opportunities. Internships give students an edge as they enter the job market. Students have shared how valuable their internship experiences were in understanding a chosen field and ultimately securing a job.
James Bethel '19
I give because of my experiences as a student and my hope for the future of the college. I have found that Oneonta is a community of faculty and staff who are dedicated to the growth and success of its students on a professional and personal level. This is apparent in not only the opportunities provided by the college, but also in the student experience and success of our alumni. I benefited greatly from this during my time here, and as an alumnus I believe it is my duty to ensure that the same opportunities are available for future Oneonta students. Once a Red Dragon, always a Red Dragon.
Carol Reiter Denson '64
I believe in the value of education as a pathway to life’s opportunities. Reflecting back on my journey, it was at Oneonta where, literally, I learned to grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. I have been blessed beyond any expectation or anticipation in my life’s journey. Establishing the Dr. Carol Reiter Denson ’64 Scholarship scholarship and contributing to the campaign are among the most gratifying experiences of my life.