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Day of Giving provides opportunity

Sir Winston Churchill once famously said, “We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.”

Having served as a local church pastor for nearly 15 years, I preached many sermons and had many insightful conversations about charitable giving, or philanthropy.  The technical definition of philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. As a people, Americans are generous. Most of us, particularly in Appalachia, have been raised to value the importance of providing opportunity to all. That spirit of communal concern enhances our quality of life and enriches our culture.  Generally, we are generous to causes we support, whether those causes are human services, religious, the arts or educational in nature. We have a plethora of nonprofit organizations that are doing necessary and wonderful work in our community, and they deserve our support.

Near and dear to my heart is the gift of higher education. The way to address a myriad of issues within our state and country is to educate our citizenry. Particularly in Appalachia, as we face significant economic challenges, education is the key to unlocking the promising future we all desire. At Davis & Elkins College, our mission is, “To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world.” Like a ripple across a placid lake, every young man or woman that is “prepared and inspired” on this campus then returns to their home community. The win-win situation in that home community is that our graduate is prepared for a successful career and meaningful vocation, and in turn improves the quality of life for his or her family as well as the community as a whole. It is a smart investment to support young men and women who yearn for higher education.

Saturday is the “DAY OF GIVING” at D&E. Through this concentrated effort to focus our attention on the philanthropic needs of our students, all who love and support D&E are asked to join in this 24-hour event designed to rally alumni and friends. Those who value this college are asked to make your financial gift and encourage others to do the same. It is an opportunity to give what you are able to enable the dreams of our students to be realized. Gifts for D&E’S DAY OF GIVING may be made by mailing a check to the Development Office of the college (100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241) or making an online credit card gift at www.dewv.edu/giveonline.

It is my joy to encounter students on this campus daily. Their lives are overflowing with potential, and they have chosen wisely to invest their tuition dollars in their futures. The result of this investment is the acquisition of the required “tools” for a meaningful and productive life. These young men and women inspire me by their desire to learn, mature and prepare for their life journey that is full of promise. I want to do my part to support their hopes and dreams.

I invite you to join me in that effort.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Wise words to live by!

The journey continues. …

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