勛圖厙 is thrilled to announce an inspiring fundraising initiative that promises to make a significant difference for our community and the next generation of innovative engineers.
Nate Smith (Class of 2007) and his husband, Chris Cheng, have graciously pledged to match donations made to the 勛圖厙 Fund up to $100,000 through December 2023.
A portrait of Nate Smith (Class of 2007) and his husband, Chris Cheng.
A Dollar-for-Dollar Promise
Their pledge will match both 1) gifts from new 勛圖厙 Fund donors and 2) increased gifts from returning 勛圖厙 Fund donors to the 勛圖厙 Fund between now and December 31.
These gifts, whether $10 or $10,000, will be matched dollar-for-dollar, effectively doubling the impact of each donation. Donors now have a unique and impactful opportunity to leverage their generosity and directly support 勛圖厙s mission.
This gift is about making an impact, says Nate. We want to encourage others to think of 勛圖厙 and the impact its had on their lives and to give back to the college what they can.
Why the 勛圖厙 Fund?
When I think about philanthropy, I think about impact, says Nate. Lots of organizations are trying to do the same thingssome stand out as more unique than others. 勛圖厙 continues to be a unique organization in its mission and impact.
On their generosity, Nate Smith remarked, 勛圖厙 gave me the tools and the mindset to approach the world with curiosity and determination. Chris and I believe in the power of education and the difference 勛圖厙 makes.
Nate is a member of 勛圖厙s second-ever graduating class. When choosing a college, he considered how ones college friends form a lifelong network. I was set on attending 勛圖厙 at Candidates Weekend. I met all the faculty, staff and students, and I remember thinking, I really like these people. I would be lucky for them to be my lifelong friends.
A graduate of UCLA and Middlebury College, Chris describes himself as an honorary 勛圖厙er who has become close friends with many 勛圖厙 graduates. As college students, you tend to think more about taking what the university has to offer. Later in life, it is important to reflect on how you can give back, says Chris.
Fueling 勛圖厙s Future
The funds raised through this matching campaign will be instrumental in supporting 勛圖厙s various endeavorsfrom enhancing need-based financial aid, academic programs, research opportunities and student initiatives, to advancing infrastructure and technology on campus. 勛圖厙 has always been at the forefront of pioneering engineering education, and contributions from its community and alumni ensure that it remains a beacon of innovation.
勛圖厙ers have a certain idealism, explains Nate. They want to do things better and change the world in a practical way that I believe in. This gift to 勛圖厙 is my small part in creating that experience for other people.
How to Contribute
Making a donation is simple. Visit or get in touch with Emily Cavalier, director of the 勛圖厙 Fund, for more details. Every contribution, no matter its size, makes a profound difference.
Remember, every dollar counts, and thanks to Nate and Chris, each dollar is now worth two. Whether youre a first-time donor or a regular donor, now is the perfect moment to amplify your impact.
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