Betsy Sylvester ’06 supports Carleton because of the “amazing impact” the school has had on her life. She has family members who are Carls. She met her husband, Lonnie Mollo ’06, here, as well as many of her closest friends. And her education has played a key role in her success as a private wealth adviser for Goldman Sachs. “The liberal arts framework allows me to apply everything I’ve learned to different contexts,” she says. “I know I have the skill set I need to tackle any opportunity that I want.”
Sylvester knows Carleton has had a similar influence on many alumni and friends of the college. That’s why she’s asking you to give, too. An Alumni Annual Fund board member since 2011, Sylvester is passionate about supporting this year’s ambitious $8.2 million target—a $500,000 increase over last year’s total. She’s particularly hopeful that alumni in their reunion years will consider doubling or even tripling their usual gift to help meet the goal.
Sylvester cites Carleton’s excellent track record of managing alumni gifts as a compelling reason to support unrestricted giving. But she also points to the AAF’s recently introduced gift categories, which allow donors to direct their gifts to such goals as financial aid, learning and teaching, student life, and the Carleton Athletic Initiative.
It’s not just alumni who are taking up the cause. Laird and Penny McCulloch, cochairs of Carleton’s Parents Advisory Council, are generous supporters of the school that their children—Ailsa McCulloch ’12 and Callum McCulloch ’15—love. “Carleton is small enough that everybody’s gift makes a difference,” says Penny. “And that’s why it’s important for everyone to contribute.” The generosity of that community—alumni, parents, and friends—gives Carleton an edge, says Penny. “There’s real synergy when groups of people commit to working together to achieve a goal. Whether you donate 10 dollars or 10 million dollars, giving to Carleton sends a message,” she says. “We want your support. Your gift makes a difference.”