Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

The importance of annual gifts

Each year, thousands of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ donors make an immediate impact on students through annual gifts. Many of them support Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s Greatest Needs, which allows the university to respond to emerging needs across campus, including Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s top funding priority of student scholarships. Other donors direct their gifts to specific academic schools or departments, student organizations, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ experiences such as global study or internships, athletics teams, and more.

While their gifts come in all sizes and support a wide range of designations, one thing unites each of these donors: a deep belief in the power of an Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ education.

Maity Interiano

Maity Interiano ’07

An Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of Univision Network’s national weekend newscast, Maity Interiano ’07 attributes much of her success to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s leadership in engaged learning and mentors in the School of Communications.

In return, Interiano established an annual scholarship to support Hispanic/Latinx students in the School of Communications. She also served as co-chair of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ LEADS Campaign.

“Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ benefits from having a diverse student body that encourages different conversations,” she says. “I encourage alumni, parents and friends to support Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ in whatever capacity they can. Everything you give to the world comes back to you multiplied.”

Martindale Family

Martindale Family

The Martindale family are among Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s biggest fans. They frequently attend home games, especially for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ soccer. Brian Martindale ’95 has also served on the Phoenix Club Advisory Board, a group of volunteers who partner with the university to reach fundraising goals that support student-athletes. In 2006, the family established the Martindale Soccer Scholarship to provide additional support for students on the soccer teams.

“We see the value of an Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ education and the impact Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students have in the community,” says Brian Martindale ’95. “As avid supporters of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Athletics, and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ soccer in particular, what better way to give back than through philanthropy and scholarship support?”

Jack McMackin '08

Jack McMackin ’08

“This is an extraordinary time to be involved with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ,â€� said Jack McMackin ’08, founder and managing director of venture capital firm Mission Innovation Network.

McMackin, who was co-chair of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ LEADS Campaign, demonstrates his deep care for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students by making annual gifts to the McMackin Family Scholarship for International Study. He endowed the scholarship along with parents Jack and Kathleen McMackin P’08 in 2006.

“As alumni, we have the opportunity to act on our shared love of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and lift the university to even greater heights, supporting the next generation of leaders the world needs.”

Ridgley family

The Ridgley Family

The Ridgley family has seen their connection with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ grow by leaps and bounds since their son, Will, enrolled in 2019. Now, all three Ridgley siblings walk Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s brick pathways as students.

Over the years, Peter and Libby Ridgley have matched their children’s enthusiasm for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ by serving on the Parents Council and making gifts to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s Greatest Needs. They are also part of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Society, a leadership annual giving community.

“We believe in the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ experience,” says Libby Ridgley. “We contribute financially to support the amazing education that Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ provides for the students.”