May 2007:
Danielle Champney

There are probably a million reasons why a donation to BGSU is worth the energy - be it a donation of your time to helping students succeed, funds to support student activities on campus, or any donation of resources, advice, encouragement, or support. Alumni are a great source of this support for students, and it is always great to see everyone out celebrating homecoming and attending the many alumni-sponsored events on campus and in your local chapters.

But there is one more gift that I would challenge every alum to give to at least one BGSU student. This gift can be given repeatedly, at a very low cost, and is probably one of the most important gifts that any student can receive before they graduate and take the next step into the workforce or higher education.

It is the gift of professional experience and support. We have some very bright and talented students graduating from BGSU every semester, with the potential to do great things in their respective fields. But many of them lack one crucial aspect that a classroom education cannot provide - real professional experience in the form of an internship, externship, or any type of ‘practice’ or practical exposure to the field in which they are being educated.

I truly believe that if students can participate in some type of application of their education before graduation, they will be able to become more effective and successful BGSU alumni.

We need to build solid personal connections between alumni and current students, while also helping the students of BGSU realize their passions and achieve their goals.

You can all help in this effort by sponsoring a student in your workplace, becoming a mentor, or just speaking with students on the phone or in the classroom about how their education will be applied when they graduate from this fine institution. We do a great job in the classroom here, but this is something that cannot be ‘taught.’ My challenge to you is to be an active example and give of your time by sharing your experiences and offering our students the perspective that they may not see while sitting in a classroom. This is a donation that is invaluable to students, who will one day continue the legacy, strengthening the relationships between alumni and students.

It is easy for me to see why this type of donation would pay off, as a recently graduated student, but if you don’t believe me, try it. If you find time to speak with, mentor, or sponsor even one student, the reward that you will be giving them is the greatest gift they will receive while a student at BGSU, and you will share in this reward and make memories and BGSU friends you will never forget.

Danielle Champney is a 2007 graduate of BGSU, and a member of the inaugural class of Alumni Laureate Scholars. She will pursue a doctoral degree at UC Berkeley in fall 2007.