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Hi Buff families,ÌýÌý

Now that I am in my ninth month here at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ, I am continuously blown away by the energy of this campus and the Buff pride that I see from students every day. Our community is truly special, and I am honored to lead a division focused on helping students engage, learn and thrive in everything they do, both personally and for our community.ÌýÌýÌý

As we think about community, this March is Student Philanthropy Month—an annual celebration of paying it forward at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ, along with our Buffs All In giving day, which occurred on March 6. Philanthropy is a collaborative giving effort that aims to enhance the well-being of our university. Understanding how our gifts of time, talent or treasure can impact communities around the world is an important connection to make, especially for our future leaders. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, counts. Additionally, these collective actions often have a ripple effect, inspiring change for generations to come. Ìý

This Student Philanthropy Month, I encourage our Buffs to consider how they can give back during their time at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ. Your student’s involvement can help positively influence the lives of others and support student success for current and future Buffs. When it comes to paying it forward, students have multiple options:ÌýÌý

• Donating time. Whether your student has a couple hours, an afternoon or a day, completing acts of service directly supports their local community. There are volunteer opportunities on campus throughout the year, including with the Basic Needs Center and Commencement. Encourage your student to connect with the Volunteer Resource Center to learn more.Ìý
• Giving talent. A great way for Buffs to contribute to their community is through their strengths and skills. For example: if your student is passionate about music and live entertainment, and they enjoy meeting new people, encourage them to consider joining Program Council’s Street Team. Help your student make a list of their unique talents and explore the programs or roles out there where they can use them.ÌýÌýÌý
• Sharing treasure. This month, student groups from across campus have selected funds that are important to them. Your student can browse those funds and find one they would like to support. To learn more about philanthropy and browse the causes that student organizations are amplifying, they can visit the ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ crowdfunding page.ÌýÌýÌý

As part of the Buff community, there are also ways for family members to share their time, talent and treasure. One way is to give through the Parent Fund, which supports critical student services. From career development to holistic student support and basic needs, donors to the Parent Fund contribute to a variety of services within the Division of Student Affairs that support student development, well-being and academic success. As we continue to evolve and expand our services to meet the needs of our students, and if you are considering giving your treasure this year, please consider making a gift to the Parent Fund to help support our Buffs.Ìý

With spring break coming up soon, I hope you get the chance to talk or be with your student later this month. I encourage you to ask them how they are getting involved in their community and sharing their time, talent and treasure. Connecting and staying up to date with your student can help them recharge before returning for final exams and reaffirm how they are an important part of our community.Ìý

°Â²¹°ù³¾±ô²â,ÌýÌý
Dr. D'Andra Mull Ìý
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs