Faculty and Staff Testimonials -- Why do I give to Linfield?

Want to add or change your testimonial?  Let us know!

I had the privilege of being a Linfield student, and have been lucky enough to work here since graduating.  Most of the good things that have happened in my life have been because of my affiliation with Linfield College, which makes it easy for me to want to give back and support the college today. ~ Dan Preston, Vice President, Enrollment Services

I have chosen to donate to Linfield because I believe in giving back, this is truly rewarding for me. ~ Sandra Tello, Financial Aid Counselor

In 1969, when I left Hawaii and first arrived at Linfield my initial reaction was, “What was I thinking?!?”  Forty-one years later I can answer that question by saying, “Where else but at Linfield could one receive an education, find a career, embrace a cause, begin a mission and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to discovery, discussion and delivery?” That’s why I give to Linfield. ~ Madeline Jepson, Upward Bound

I believe in the mission of Linfield College and want to invest in the future of our students.  This College impacts lives and I simply want to play a part. ~ Crisanne Werner, Director of Financial Aid

It is a privilege to be working in Higher Education and to do so at an institution I care deeply about. Supporting Linfield reminds me that we are shaping the minds that will make our world a better place. I look at it as an investment. ~ Jonathan Pierce, Webmaster

Linfield has always just felt like home to me.  So many memories and events took place here.  Giving to that and for that has never seemed like a burden, more of a given.  I want to support the place and people who have, and continue to, make Linfield feel like the special place that it is. ~ Greg Hill, Athletic Trainer and Assistant Professor

I give annually to Linfield because Linfield gives enlightenment, joy and opportunity to the community I live in, to the friends and colleagues I work with and to those I love most. ~ Lori Fields, Shipping and Recieving Clerk

I know that by providing my financial support to Linfield College, my money will be put toward what I believe in:  exceptional academic programs, nationally recognized athletic programs, and outstanding faculty, students and staff. The power of a small college is explosive! ~ Dawn Graff-Haight, Professor, Health and Human Performance

I contribute back to Linfield as a visible means to show I am a contributing member of the community and that I view Linfield as more than just where I happen to work. The Linfield community is what makes this institution so welcoming to our students. ~ Craig Luis, Hardware Support Specialist

I donate to Linfield yearly because it has given me knowledge, experience and skills necessary to lead a productive, positive life.  I returned to Linfield as an instructor hoping to pay it forward to the next generation of Linfield Alumni.  As an instructor, I continue to benefit from the feeling of community that Linfield offers its students, staff and faculty because Linfield is unique and there are very few institutions that share its ideals. ~ Rob Vaughn, Technical Director and Sound Designer

Linfield is a great community.  It’s a privilege to work with such a quality group of students and faculty, helping them attain their goals.  And I’m fortunate to be able to give a little financially as well. ~ Todd McCollum, Director of Enrollment Services, Portland

I give to the college because I believe in what  we are collectively trying to accomplish here.  As the Budget Director, I know that we don’t have all the resources needed to support our programs and I want to help fill that gap. ~ Greg Copeland, Director of Budget and Men's Golf Coach

I believe a good education gives society as a whole a better foundation... I also believe in feeding your causes locally. Local giving to local causes that you believe in helps your community. For me, giving back to Linfield and my belief in the educational foundation it gives our students just makes sense. ~ Leitha Heine, Director of Information Technology, Portland

I believe in what Linfield does as an institution and I choose to support it by giving back annually. Without Linfield my life would not be as bright and I would not have the many relationships and connections with other staff, students and faculty that I cherish. ~ Tami Harrell, Office Coordinator, Career and Community Services

I feel like I’ve been given so much in my life, it’s important to give back.  Linfield College is a place where the people I work with make a difference every day in small and big ways in other people’s lives, and I love that. ~ Carl Swanson, Director of Tennis and Greek Life

The arts always need visible support.   My wife and I choose to support the Chamber Orchestra because of its special ability to bring together students and professionals, making great music together. ~ Jim Diamond, Professor, Chemistry

My wife and I give to Linfield to support the College’s fine tradition of providing a strong liberal arts foundation coupled with professional studies. ~ Shaik Ismael, Director of International Programs

I have seen the direct impact my contributions to the school have made to student success.  By enabling students to work less and concentrate on their academics they are better able to participate in their education and are capable critical thinkers and contributors to the nursing profession and their communities.  It is personally empowering to know I have assisted in making that happen. ~ Diane Welch, Associate Professor, Nursing

Why do I donate?  Because I want to contribute directly to the continuing viability of the Linfield College reputation, and I know that cannot be accomplished by good intentions alone.  I have also been told that my small contributions as an employee and an alumna are sometimes matched by other donors, and that the contributions of employees and alums often 'count' when foundations consider gifts to the College. ~ Jean Caspers, Instruction Librarian and Assistant Professor

We all teach here because we know of no finer investment of our time and energy than the education of the next generation. We also know that many of our students would be unable to afford a Linfield education if it weren’t for our financial investment in the college as well. ~ Peter Richardson, Professor, Modern Languages