UF Seniors Honored With Philanthropy Cords for Philanthropy Efforts and Supporting Scholarship for New Students

The University of Findlay’s Graduating Class Gift Philanthropy Cord program has honored 184 seniors this year with philanthropy cords, which they will wear during Commencement as a symbol of their commitment to the Oiler culture of philanthropy.

President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., presented the green cords to the students at a ceremony April 26, thanking them for their generosity and service. Darin Fields, Ph.D., executive vice president of academic affairs, and Marcia Sloan Latta, Ed.D., vice president of university advancement, also spoke at the ceremony, recognizing the seniors’ accomplishment.

During the 2022-23 academic year, 210 students donated toward the Findlay Forward Class of 2023 Scholarship, and a total of $4,261 was raised. Last year, 169 students earned their philanthropy cords and $3,428 was raised for the scholarship fund.

“Students who earn their philanthropy cord show future employers that they have not only taken the opportunity to learn the importance of philanthropy, but they have given of their time and resources in practice of it – and we are celebrating their success,” said Brittany Beltz, assistant director of annual giving and stewardship manager.

The national Philanthropy Honor Cord Program has honored and educated students about philanthropy since its launch in 2015-16 at UF. One of the first nationally-recognized programs of its kind, its objective is to engage graduating seniors to build a foundation of future volunteers and donors, as well as to inspire them to be actively involved in civic engagement in their communities.

The program requires a contribution to the class gift, volunteering for a minimum of six hours, and attendance at a philanthropic learning event.

Photos of students receiving their philanthropy cords can be viewed in the University’s Flickr Album.