Why I Give to Wesleyan
Katie Reid ’07
Katie Reid ’07
“My education was made possible almost entirely by the generosity of Wesleyan alumni,” says Katie Reid’07, a CSS major, “I will never forget the opportunity my scholarship has given me.”
As a student, Katie was a manager for the Red & Black Calling Society and a tour guide. She received the Dana Summer Experience Grant after her sophomore year, which enabled her to establish the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE), a nonprofit organization that promotes efficiency and quality in the sector through education and resource pooling. Katie continued to explore philanthropy with a senior essay that studied the commercialization of the nonprofit sector. Katie is currently attending the University of Virginia Law School and intends to pursue a career working to improve nonprofits. “Everyone deserves the opportunity for an outstanding education. The best thank-you I can give for the preparation and the possibilities is to help give them to someone else.”
Harvey Bagg ’63
Harvey Bagg ’63
Class Agent
Wesleyan University has changed since Harvey Bagg ’63 was an economics major. For Harvey, knowing that the institution will and has to change is a recognition of the realities of caring and committing to what the Wesleyan experience should be. “Trying to preserve Wesleyan in amber would kill it.” says Harvey.
“Volunteering allows me to protect the things about Wesleyan and liberal education that are important to me.” For Harvey, Wesleyan laid the foundation for his successful career as an attorney, as it developed the analytical skills that enabled him to function in a multidisciplinary world. This, he says, inspired him to give back as both a volunteer and a donor. “When you give to Wesleyan, it’s a statement that you believe in what Wesleyan does for its students and society.” Harvey made a commitment to volunteer for Wesleyan because, “Wesleyan made a four year commitment to me.”
Victor Bernstein P’09
Victor Bernstein P’09
Chair, Parent Fundraising
Dropping off a son or daughter at college is a turning point in the parent-child relationship. Parents are a vital part of the support system both on campus and off. Parent, Victor Bernstein, leads by example for his son Benedict ’09.
Victor, Chair of parent fundraising for the Wesleyan Fund, believes it is important for parents to “engage in the process.” Wesleyan provides the “central basis for a student’s future,” says Victor. “I volunteer because I believe it is important, indeed required, that each of us give and give back. It is a duty that actually feels good to fulfill.” Parents illustrate, through their actions, the importance of volunteering and acknowledging the value of the Wesleyan education.
Jodi Wilinsky Hill ’78
Jodi Wilinsky Hill ’78
Class Agent, 30th Reunion Co-Chair
Former Wesleyan Fund Chair
Jodi Wilinsky Hill ’78, biology major at Wesleyan, counts graduate level biology courses and her friends as the best part of her Wesleyan experience. For Jodi, the Wesleyan experience did not end at graduation—she remains actively involved as a donor and a volunteer.
“Giving back is important,” she says. “When you get something great, you give back.” Jodi’s professional life, as co-founder and executive director of the Parenting Resource Associates, a nonprofit organization that works on multiple levels to ensure adults are best equipped to support and guide children, has helped her to understand the importance of being a volunteer. Jodi says of her work, “I’ve learned about the critical importance of volunteers in stewarding an institution.”
Jodi spent countless hours stewarding Wesleyan as a past chair of the Wesleyan Fund and will continue to do so as a co-chair of her 30th Reunion. Jodi gives both her time and money, “So today’s students have the same and better opportunities than I had—and can go on to change the world.”
Bob Metz ’50
Bob Metz ’50
Chair, WESeniors
After graduating from Wesleyan, Bob Metz ’50 began a career in journalism as a copy boy for the New York Times in 1951. Eventually, Bob became the President and CEO of United Media, which controlled syndication and licensing for comic strips including Peanuts, Garfield and Dilbert.
The largest collection of cartoon strips ever donated to the Cartoon Research Library at Ohio State University is the Robert Roy Metz collection of 83,034 comic strips donated by United Media in 1992. Bob credits Wesleyan with preparing him for life and is what motivates Bob to volunteer for Wesleyan. Receiving a full tuition scholarship for $500, “changed my life for the better,” says Bob. Whether it is attending Wesleyan events or planning for reunion, Bob feels that it is his duty and pleasure to try to give back to Wesleyan, at least as much as it has given him.
Anne Thomas ’98
Anne Thomas ’98
10th Reunion Co-Chair
As a math/economics major (MECO), Anne Thomas ’98 was able to tailor her classes to what she calls a “study in entrepreneurship.” Also a member of the track team, Anne credits the Wesleyan liberal arts education with giving her a “wide breadth of experiences.” Anne brought this trend to her career as well.
Anne runs her own photography company, Longview Photography, out of New York City; and also operates a game company responsible for the popular board game, The 80’s Game. Anne, a Class Agent is a co-chair for her 10th reunion. “Volunteering,” she said, “gives me a sense of community.” Wesleyan events, according to Anne, are a “resource” for networking and making connections. “Plus, for me, working with Wesleyan is a form of community service.”