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Sarah Guilford ’20, Marie Kadurira ’20, and Sofia Reed ’20 are student philanthropy managers for the St. Olaf Fund. They are working with their fellow seniors on their class gift for Oles. During the campaign, student participation in the St. Olaf Fund has more than doubled — annual giving from all donors has steadily increased through the St. Olaf Fund, reaching a high of $5.28 million last year.

Students see not only validation in this increased support, but greater opportunities for Oles.

“I’m very committed to making sure that the college is well-funded and can provide what is needed,” says Sarah. “Without support, I wouldn’t have been able to attend college. I want to make sure that I can be as big a help to that cause as possible.”

Individually, these seniors have pursued different paths on the Hill. Marie is a biology and political science major — she hopes to eradicate health disparities for vulnerable communities. Sofia is awaiting news from her grad school applications to pursue a Ph.D. in Asian Studies. Sarah is a narrative filmmaker focused on social justice. Each has also experienced high-impact learning opportunities like funded internships, mentored research, and study abroad while at St. Olaf.

Gifts through the St. Olaf Fund really do help us,
not just to be here, but to thrive and create our own stories. I’ve been able to have these experiences because there are people out there who believe in us.Marie Kadurira ’20

“Gifts through the St. Olaf Fund really do help us, not just to be here, but to thrive and create our own stories,” says Marie. “I’ve been able to have these experiences because there are people out there who believe in us.”

“Gifts through the annual fund make a St. Olaf education something that a lot of people can participate in, not just those that can afford it,” says Sofia. “The best experiences of my life
have been the ones I have made during my time here — I am so grateful to have had them. Together, our gifts help shape St. Olaf’s future.”