“Each summer, in addressing the WISE interns, I have the honor of connecting students to the donors whose financial support underwrites their internship stipends and the program costs,” says Ross. “It is a powerful moment in the room when I tell the students ‘Someone you have never met has made a financial investment in your future.’” Ross shares that up to this point, the students have typically not given much thought to the source of the funds that are used to support their paid internship program, and upon hearing that the internships are underwritten by the generosity of alumni and friends of the College, there is an air of humility that engulfs the room, and the students then write to a donor to inform them of the importance that the internship has had on their personal and professional development. “Key to the ability of the College to expand academic experience opportunities for students is the incredible support of our donors,” says Ross. During this past fiscal year, donors provided $71,000 in annual funds to support enhanced academic experiences for our students, while endowed funds provide additional guaranteed funding each year. INVESTING IN STUDENT CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Donor Support Being a WISE summer intern in the marketing and communications office has been an instrumental experience in the preparation for future career opportunities. It has taught me how to maintain brand identity, manage Lycoming College’s online presence, and write press releases that speak to the College’s image. Most importantly, it has allowed me to be a part of a supportive team and create meaningful relationships. I’m so appreciative of the many generous donors whose support makes these internships possible.” Bailey Spencer ’22 English (Literature) Major Our educations helped us to better engage in critical thinking and careful listening in order to form opinions and make better decisions when dealing with life’s challenges. We feel it is important to have a good collaboration between liberal arts classroom study and one’s career path, and internships are an important part of that process. We feel that getting a college education has become more difficult for many, and we hope others who are able will desire to give back — or pay it forward — in this way.” Gwendolyn “Wendy” (Gehman) ’71 & Raymond ’68 Enstine 16 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2021 PRESIDENT’S REPORT/FALL MAGAZINE
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