IMPACT

A PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT FOUNDATION

FALL 2021

Commencement 2016. Photo by Andy Duback.

Dear friends of UVM,

An investment in students yields incredible returns. College graduates are better equipped than their peers who do not have a college degree to improve their own lives and that of their families and to use the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired to increase the cultural and economic vibrancy of their communities. As a leadership volunteer for the University of Vermont Foundation, I’ve had the opportunity to witness first-hand the University’s commitment to making sure more students can access the advantages that a UVM education provides.

I’m thrilled that the University’s leadership has made scholarships a top fundraising priority with the launch of the Soar campaign for student success at UVM. This $150 million fundraising effort will increase the number of undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and internships and make a UVM education more attainable than ever for a diverse and talented student population. My family has supported scholarships at UVM for over 25 years, and I can say personally that the highlight of my visits to campus is sitting down for lunch or coffee with a scholarship recipient. I see how extraordinary they are, how capable and civic-minded, and I know that they are going to make a difference in this world. The education they are receiving at UVM is preparing them to lead, to heal, to build, to innovate, to teach, to create, and to take on the complex challenges we face as a society. I always leave with renewed determination to assist them as best I can. The vast majority of UVM students receives some form of financial aid. Scholarships allow UVM to attract and retain outstanding students and give them resources to enjoy a more robust college experience. Unencumbered by heavy debt and the need to work long hours while going to school, students can take advantage of all that UVM and the Vermont community have to offer, inside and outside the classroom. A scholarship opens up a window of opportunity in which they can delve deeper into their field of study, examine their interests through internships, improve their community through service learning, or expand their horizons while studying abroad or participating in a club or extracurricular activity. Together, we have the power to remove obstacles to excellence. I want to see students on this campus asking themselves, “What can I achieve? What can I explore?” rather than, “What can I afford?” What a benefit it would be for them, and for the world, if they could focus their attention on, “How can I make my effort and knowledge worthwhile?” and not simply, “What is my education worth?” I know many of you have made scholarship support a focus of your philanthropy. Without your investment in these students, many of the stories that follow could never have been written. No matter your personal contribution—as a donor, volunteer, mentor, or proud Catamount fan—you are helping to enrich the UVM experience for our students. Thank you.

Diane L. Seder '74

Chair

UVM Foundation Board of Directors