Driven to help students succeed
Join your colleagues and make a difference!
Every day, the University of Minnesota transforms lives, advances new approaches to research and care, protects and sustains our planet, and drives innovation. And every day, we faculty and staff members bring these objectives to life. Driven: The University of Minnesota Campaign gives us the opportunity to shine a light on our work, build our community, and renew our commitment to the future by providing additional financial support.
Support the areas that mean the most to you. Make a monthly or one-time gift, or give through payroll deduction. Every gift counts!
Giving is in my DNA. I come from a large family, and if someone came over at dinner time, we all had to share. My mom would say, ‘We always have enough. We will always share.’ It’s important to give, even when it’s your last dollar, because there is always enough.
Role at the U: Senior alumni relations director, College of Education and Human Development
Giving: Student support, including a scholarship honoring her husband, College of Liberal Arts professor John S. Wright
I am the child of two teachers, so I grew up in an environment of learning. That’s the point of the University: to learn and discover, to explore what’s out there, to figure out answers to some of our big questions. It’s inspiring to be able to give to a place where you feel like you’re making a real impact.
Role at the U: Senior communications and marketing specialist, College of Biological Sciences (CBS)
Giving: CBS scholarship fund and Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
In 2005, my daughter was treated for chronic kidney disease at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. She’s in remission now and starting her first year of college at the U. As a parent, I’m very grateful.
Role at the U: Director of data and analytics, University of Minnesota Foundation
Giving: College of Liberal Arts (CLA) School of Statistics (she’s an alumna) and research fund for pediatric nephrology
My wife and I were considering upgrading our car, but we decided to put some money away for a scholarship instead. Last year, we met our scholar. She's a first-generation student. The impact our giving had on her—the ability to go to college—is something that gave us goosebumps.
Role at the U: Associate dean of undergraduate programs, Carlson School of Management
Giving: Scholarship support and Carlson School programming
I always thought that setting up a scholarship is something you do after you retire. I realized that by doing it while I’m in my mid-30s and working here, I can have connections with the students who are going to benefit, which is really exciting.
Role at the U: Technology architect at Liberal Arts Technologies and Innovation Services, College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
Giving: Established a study-abroad scholarship for CLA undergrads
Hundreds of people are in the stadium climbing at the same time, while on the big screen we’re sharing patient stories and facts about kidney cancer. It’s great to see these patients gather and enjoy each other’s company and feel good about making a difference.
Role at the U: Urologic surgeon and associate professor in the Medical School’s Department of Urology; member of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
Giving: Crowdfunding to support kidney cancer research via Climb 4 Kidney Cancer event
Becoming parents changed everything for us. As soon as we met our son, we knew we needed to do something bold to make his world a better place.
Role at the U: Editor/writer, University of Minnesota Morris
Giving: Created a fund named after her son to support pollinator research at UMM's EcoStation