Giving Back, Roaring Forward: The Importance of Student Philanthropy

Philanthropy is often associated with major donations and high-profile donors, but at its core, it is about people coming together to support causes that matter to them. At Widener, fostering a culture of giving isn’t just about financial contributions - it is about enabling student success and allowing them to engage with their community, support one another, and shape the future of our university. 

Through working in Widener’s Office of University Advancement and overseeing the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC), I’ve seen firsthand how small actions all have lasting impacts. Whether through volunteering,  engaging in philanthropic initiatives, or simply being a Widener ambassador, every student has the ability to contribute to a culture of giving.

Why Campus Philanthropy Matters

Having a strong philanthropic culture on Widener’s campus does more than just fund scholarships and/or campus initiatives - it strengthens our Pride, builds meaningful connections, and reinforces the idea that students are part of something bigger than themselves. Many students directly experience the impact of alumni, donors, and other university supporters through means of scholarships, upgraded facilities, and enhanced academic programming. By giving back in any capacity, students not only show gratitude for the generosity they’ve received but also help sustain this tradition of giving, ensuring that future Widener students will have the same (or even better) opportunities.

How Students Can Make A Difference

In addition to making financial gifts to Widener-related funds, here are some ways college students can make a tangible impact on the university:

Volunteer on Campus

Time is one of the most valuable gifts a student can give. Volunteering at university events like Homecoming, Roar4Widener, and Day of Gratitude (to name a few) showcases a commitment to Widener’s success and helps strengthen campus culture.

Share Your Story and Be a Widener Advocate

Personal experiences can be powerful motivators. If a student has benefitted from a scholarship, academic program, or other donor-funded initiative, sharing their story will inspire others to get involved and do the same. Social media platforms, word-of-mouth, and student group meetings are all great ways to amplify impact.

Participate in Cultivation and Stewardship

Events like Roar4Widener (happening on April 9th, 2025) and Day of Gratitude provide students with opportunities to engage in the processes of building relationships with Widener alumni and friends as well as nurturing/maintaining these relationships. Actions as simple as writing thank-you notes to donors, volunteering to assist the University Advancement team at event stations, or simply showing up in support of philanthropic efforts all have lasting impacts and help strengthen a culture of gratitude and generosity.

Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

Giving back doesn’t always require grand gestures—sometimes, it’s as simple as supporting a classmate, offering help, or being open to receiving it from a peer or alumni. By engaging in mentorship and networking, you can strengthen your own growth while making a positive impact on others. Here are a couple of valuable opportunities for you to get involved:

• PRIDE Mentoring Program: Designed for first-year and transfer students, this initiative pairs them with experienced upperclassmen who provide support and guidance for a positive start to the Widener experience.

• 30-Minutes a Month: A newly launched program that connects students with Widener alumni for career advice and professional development opportunities.

For more information on mentorship and networking opportunities, connect with Career Design & Development 

The Long-Term Impact of Student Philanthropy

Building a philanthropic culture at Widener starts with our students and is about instilling lifelong habits of giving that resonate through our alumni’s personal and professional lives. Many of our alumni began their own philanthropic journeys as students, a tradition that continues to evolve our university.

Widener University’s alumni network, including over 60,000 graduates from Pennsylvania Military College, Penn Morton College, and Widener College, exemplifies the lasting impact of student philanthropy. In 2024’s Day of Giving, the Widener community shattered records—851 donors contributed 1,106 gifts, raising over $156,000 to support student success! This year, we aim to surpass that milestone, proving once again that the Widener Pride is always ready to rally and uplift students.

At the heart of campus philanthropy is the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC), a group of 13 student leaders dedicated to educating their peers on the importance of giving. Through methods of  fostering connections with alumni, stewarding donors, organizing campus initiatives, and demonstrating the impact of philanthropy on campus, SPC members are ambassadors of the university who support Widener’s continued development. Partnering with them is the Office of Development & Alumni Engagement, which helps bridge the student-alumni connection through events, strategic outreach, and fundraising efforts. 

If you are a current Widener student and interested in becoming a SPC member, please fill out this interest form or contact me with any questions you may have!

Leaving a Legacy: The Power of Giving Back

Philanthropy at Widener is about something larger than just making a gift; it’s about creating and constantly nurturing a community where every individual feels empowered to make a difference. The acts of kindness, support, and shared responsibility we engage in today shape not only our campus but also the world beyond. As students, alumni, faculty, and staff, we have the unique opportunity to be the architects of a legacy built on generosity and service - a legacy that will inspire future generations to continue this tradition. Widener’s culture of giving is not just something we uphold; it’s something we actively build together, one meaningful contribution at a time.

Albert Kuo is the Advancement Coordinator at Widener University. He helps strengthen connections with over 60,000 alumni across Widener’s campuses, advancing programs that foster engagement, philanthropy, and meaningful student-alumni relationships. His work ensures a lasting culture of giving and community support.