GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
HOW YOUR GIFT WILL HELP
Welcome Alumni and Friends
"I Am in Debt"
An intriguing title – but why would a distinguished professor give a lecture about his sabbatical travels in Europe announcing that the trip had placed him in debt? Did he plan to take a collection?
Shortly into the address, his meaning became clear. Instead of talking about the sights and expenses of his trip, he told of the kindnesses people had offered along the way. And his sense of
indebtedness.
When he was lost in Paris, a young man took time to personally lead him to his destination. In a village, an elderly couple invited him to their home for dinner. He told about the patience and helpfulness of a store clerk, a waitress, a policeman and others. Gifts of one kind deed after another. He said he returned home with an overflowing sense of gratitude. And with a desire to pay back his debt by expressing kindness to others -- especially strangers.
The professor continued. He spoke of the journey of life and the debt we all owe to parents and loved ones, to teachers and doctors and other professionals, to friends and kindly strangers,
to organizations and institutions and other positive influences. "In fact," he said, "we are all terribly in debt. Our only reasonable response is to invest in individuals and organizations that need our help."
One of the reasons people give to the VCU School of Education is to express gratitude and to "pay back" for value they received. Another reason is simply to express appreciation for benefits received elsewhere. They give to the School of Education to say "thank you" for kindnesses that have come to them along their journey of life. They know their gift to the School is needed and appreciated.
If you would like to make a gift to the School of Education, please make your donation payable to the VCU Foundation and if you wish, clearly state what area you would designate your gift.
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