Former Carleton president Larry Gould’s famous saying: “You are a part of Carleton, and Carleton is a part of you” has been shared with generations of Carleton students. It’s true. Carleton isn’t only a campus, a curriculum, or even a set of values. It’s a collection of people—alumni, students and their families, faculty and staff members, and community supporters—who make the college’s mission of providing an excellent liberal arts education a reality.
Nobody understands that better than the passionate volunteers who lead the AAF. “Education is the key to solving the problems of the future, so it’s essential to provide the best education to the brightest students,” says Judy Sosted ’61, who has been a class agent since 1998. “I volunteer with the AAF because it not only helps Carleton pay its bills, but it also supports qualified students who might not otherwise be able to afford a Carleton education. Contributing to the annual fund is a great way to make a difference in young people’s lives.”
“I began working with the AAF as a student caller my freshman year. I was inspired by the passion alumni felt for Carleton, even decades after they graduated. As a recent grad, I am starting to appreciate why Carleton remains so special to those who leave it. Nothing else in the real world really compares.” — Anushka Patel ’12
“No school can survive, much less thrive, on earned revenue. A college’s wellspring of strength is invariably the alumni whose lives were shaped on campus.” — Kathy Valyi ’73
“The AAF shows great dedication in its efforts to make Carleton an even better place for students. I’m excited about connecting with other alumni and being part of the behind-the-scenes process.” — Brisa Zubia ’05
“My wife, Zoe Kelly Donnell ’55, could not have attended Carleton without being awarded a substantial scholarship. Alumni make it possible for students who need support to gain the benefits of a Carleton education, and that tradition can be furthered through gifts to the annual fund.” — Chuck Donnell ’54
“Volunteering for the AAF has deepened many of my Carleton friendships and introduced me to some fantastic alumni that I otherwise might not have known.” — Deirdre Weaver ’89
“The annual fund brings thousands of supporters together to do what none of us can do alone—keep Carleton strong for current and future students.” — President Steve Poskanzer