Austin College and its students have always relied on the generosity of alumni, neighbors, and friends to sustain the mission of this 164-year-old institution. During spring 2013, two new programs were introduced to connect the Austin College family with philanthropic opportunities.
The Austin College Family Fund Leadership Council plays an important role in supporting Austin College’s fundraising and family involvement by strengthening ties between the College and families of students. Parent giving helps the College maintain programs and opportunities that are essential to the unique Austin College educational experience; student tuition covers only a portion of the cost of this education, and annual donations help bridge the gap.
STAT (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) is an application-based student leadership organization—a new version of the Student Development Board, which for many years was the “ambassador” arm of the College, as current students led admission tours and served as event hosts. Beginning in Fall Term 2013, STAT members will represent and promote the College as official student ambassadors to help build a culture of philanthropy among current students of the College, as well as connect with alumni, donors, and friends. Austin College STAT is affiliated with the Association of Student Advancement Programs (ASAP)—under the umbrella of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education CASE), the professional association for external relations programs in higher education.
Forty-five students were nominated by a team of faculty and staff, and 25 students were chosen by a selection committee to serve as the first STAT ambassadors. Officers were elected at an inaugural meeting in May; these students will use resources from the national CASE ASAP office for training and for networking with similar groups from around the country.
For more information about either program, contact the Institutional Advancement office at 903.813.2419.