Have you ever used one of the laptops loaned out by the library? Or been sent to a national conference or competition to represent Loyola? Have you ever attended a memorial service by the university seal or sat under palm tree #3 in the Palm Court?

If you have enjoyed any of these benefits, you have done so thanks to donations to the Annual Fund.

What is the Annual Fund? In a nutshell, it’s a collection set up to “provide operating resources for all areas of the university.” These are the extra things that your tuition does not pay for.

Not surprisingly, the money does not mysteriously appear. I have firsthand experience in raising these all-important funds. I have been privileged enough to work with some students in the student fund-raiser program, making calls to alumni and parents asking for donations. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the caliber of these students and their dedication to the school.

I realize philanthropy may not be something you’re really focused on right now. But soon it will be your turn to give back.

How will you do that? Possibly, your first contact with the Annual Fund will probably be your senior class gift – great way to leave a lasting mark on your school and to start your tradition of giving. Eventually, however, someone will contact you to speak with you about the Annual Fund.

Every year, thousands of alumni, parents and students make gifts to the Annual Fund. This past year, parents raised enough money to get the new “ask a librarian” program up and running.

Classrooms were renovated in College of Business Administration and College of Arts and Science, equipment was purchased, and music students traveled the globe participating in prestigious competitions. Seniors in the class of 2003 raised enough money to complete a set of stepping stones inscribed with the Jesuit Ideals, which are in front of the library.

Early Greek philosophers spoke of the importance of sustaining society’s vital institutions through regular financial commitments. What could be more vital to society than a university?

Your generation, which some refer to as Gen Y or Millennials, have proven to be more philanthropic than those of us in Gen X. You are more service oriented, and you seem to realize that you have the ability to make a positive influence on the world. In fact, young alumni represent the largest percentage of Annual Fund donors, and this number is still growing.

Why is giving to the Annual Fund important? Alumni giving – that means all gifts, big and small – is a key factor in college rankings, and an improved ranking makes all Loyola degrees more valuable.

In addition, the more gifts that the fund receives from alumni, the better its ability to attract larger gifts from corporations and foundations. So even a $10 donation could help bring in a $1 million dollar gift.

To Loyola, the Annual Fund is an important source of revenue, used not for bricks and mortar, but for the immediate needs of students, colleges and departments. The fund also provides a connection with alumni, parents, and friends. For donors, the fund is a way to invest in Loyola, to indicate support for, and to stay in touch with the university.

And let’s not forget about scholarships and financial aid. According to the university Web site, 83 percent of you receive some form of financial aid to attend this university. Much of this aid would not be possible it if weren’t for Annual Fund donations.

When I was a college student, almost 10 years ago now, the last thing I thought of was giving back financially to the school. In fact, I am still paying off my loans, as I’m sure many of you will soon have to do.

Still, I am embarrassed to admit that until recently, I hadn’t given back to my alma mater. Things have changed. I now realize what a difference alumni made in my life while I was in school and what a difference I can make in the lives of current students.

It’s important that the circle of giving be continued. How can I not give back to something that has been such a big part of my life?

The bottom line is that philanthropy in education is crucial. This school wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for the support of philanthropic people.

Keep this in mind when you leave Loyola, and look back fondly. Remember it when you get calls from student fund-raisers in a few years, and don’t dismiss them as if they were asking you to change your long distance provider. After all – you were in their shoes once.

~Jessica Cassidy is the assistant director of the Annual Fund