Student Giving Team 2020-2021
Grace Erispaha
The aid I receive from the fund has given me the resources to feel secure in my financial status and has decreased the burden of student loans. I am able to get a high quality education and make friendships with amazing people who I wouldn’t have been able to meet without financial aid. Philanthropy strengthens community, provides opportunity, and supports organizations. Many of my friends also receive financial aid and I can see how the extra support has benefited their college experience and emotional wellbeing. This position gives me the chance to connect with people who have a passion for philanthropy and to help show others the power of philanthropy. My experience at St. Olaf has been greatly impacted by the fund, and I am happy to conclude my final year at St. Olaf with the Student Giving Team.
Grace LaNasa
I am currently a senior majoring in history and Asian studies with a concentration in film studies. Coming from a position of financial hardship, searching for colleges was stressful as I had to take into consideration what type of education I could pay for while working part time at Target. But, because of the St. Olaf Fund I’m able to get the education I want from St. Olaf. I feel so lucky to receive the aid I do, and because of my gift I am motivated to help others because I want this to be a possibility for anyone wanting to attend Olaf. Every time I feel like not doing an assignment or missing class I remember that my donors have put their faith in me financially, and it motivates me to go the extra mile. It’s easy to get caught in imposter syndrome, but knowing that there are donors and people who support me enough to help me pay my tuition is an excellent way to ground myself. To finish out my senior year at St. Olaf I decided to apply to work for the Student Giving Team in an effort to spread awareness of the power of giving. Philanthropy is so important to me because it’s a way that everyone can contribute, because even the smallest of gifts can go a long way and inspire others to give. No matter the amount of chaos this world throws us into, philanthropy is such a grounding tool because it truly helps to create the change we want to see in this world.
Maya Starr
My parents came from very different backgrounds. My mom grew up in Golden Valley, while my dad lived in South Minneapolis. His family didn’t give him many opportunities growing up, forcing him to use sports as an outlet. He applied himself in high school, knowing that he needed to get out and be challenged. My dad was overwhelmed by everything St. Olaf had to offer, but unsure if his financial situation would allow him to attend. Through the St. Olaf Fund, he was supported and graduated with a degree in sports medicine while meeting my mom along the way. They were married two years later. I have a lot to thank the St. Olaf Fund for, ultimately giving my dad the opportunity to meet his future wife and start his family. Everything that was given to my dad influenced him so much, enough to bring me to football games and visit the campus frequently while growing up. As a senior here, this institution has left an important mark on my family. The St. Olaf Fund has made possibility become reality for my dad, and I want others to be able to do just the same.