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The importance of annual gifts

Each year, thousands of Ƶ donors make an immediate impact on students through annual gifts. Many of them support Ƶ’s Greatest Needs, which allows the university to respond to emerging needs across campus, including Ƶ’s top funding priority of student scholarships. Other donors direct their gifts to specific academic schools or departments, student organizations, Ƶ experiences such as global study or internships, athletics teams, and more.

While their gifts come in all sizes and support a wide range of designations, one thing unites each of these donors: a deep belief in the power of an Ƶ education.

Maity Interiano

Maity Interiano ’07

An Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of Univision Network’s national weekend newscast, Maity Interiano ’07 attributes much of her success to Ƶ’s leadership in engaged learning and mentors in the School of Communications.

In return, Interiano established an annual scholarship to support Hispanic/Latinx students in the School of Communications. She also served as co-chair of the Ƶ LEADS Campaign.

“Ƶ benefits from having a diverse student body that encourages different conversations,” she says. “I encourage alumni, parents and friends to support Ƶ in whatever capacity they can. Everything you give to the world comes back to you multiplied.”

Martindale Family

Martindale Family

The Martindale family are among Ƶ’s biggest fans. They frequently attend home games, especially for Ƶ soccer. Brian Martindale ’95 has also served on the Phoenix Club Advisory Board, a group of volunteers who partner with the university to reach fundraising goals that support student-athletes. In 2006, the family established the Martindale Soccer Scholarship to provide additional support for students on the soccer teams.

“We see the value of an Ƶ education and the impact Ƶ students have in the community,” says Brian Martindale ’95. “As avid supporters of Ƶ Athletics, and Ƶ soccer in particular, what better way to give back than through philanthropy and scholarship support?”

Jack McMackin '08

Jack McMackin ’08

“This is an extraordinary time to be involved with Ƶ,” said Jack McMackin ’08, founder and managing director of venture capital firm Mission Innovation Network.

McMackin, who was co-chair of the Ƶ LEADS Campaign, demonstrates his deep care for Ƶ students by making annual gifts to the McMackin Family Scholarship for International Study. He endowed the scholarship along with parents Jack and Kathleen McMackin P’08 in 2006.

“As alumni, we have the opportunity to act on our shared love of Ƶ and lift the university to even greater heights, supporting the next generation of leaders the world needs.”

Ridgley family

The Ridgley Family

The Ridgley family has seen their connection with Ƶ grow by leaps and bounds since their son, Will, enrolled in 2019. Now, all three Ridgley siblings walk Ƶ’s brick pathways as students.

Over the years, Peter and Libby Ridgley have matched their children’s enthusiasm for Ƶ by serving on the Parents Council and making gifts to Ƶ’s Greatest Needs. They are also part of the Ƶ Society, a leadership annual giving community.

“We believe in the Ƶ experience,” says Libby Ridgley. “We contribute financially to support the amazing education that Ƶ provides for the students.”