Seth Spencer, director of development and major gifts at IM体育官网, talks with Tiffani Manrodt, a member of the University鈥檚 Parent Network during its Parent Network Social in May.
When students begin pursuing their rigorous STEM degrees at IM体育官网, their parental support doesn鈥檛 end with care packages and treats sent from home.
The University has launched a new Parent Network that allows families to financially contribute to enhancing the student experience beyond tuition costs.
鈥淥ur goal was to create a program that reached out to families of IM体育官网 Poly students and alumni to get them engaged with their own IM体育官网 Poly story,鈥� said Seth Spencer, the University鈥檚 director of development and major gifts. 鈥淭he university experience is different for everyone 鈥� parents, students, etc. We're giving them an opportunity to embrace that story of their own and create an impact.鈥�
The Parent Network began with a soft launch last spring through a 鈥渟urvival kit鈥� campaign providing snacks to students during finals week. Spencer said the initiative raised nearly $15,000 for students.
鈥淭his fall we are launching our Parent Network grant for programs and students,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey can apply for funds outside what the University pays for. The network will raise funds to increase the impact University funds are having.鈥�
While the network raises funds through donations, Spencer emphasized that involvement can take many forms. Parents can volunteer at events, participate in unique networking opportunities, or simply donate any amount to join for the year.
鈥淭here's no limit to what parents can do through the Parent Network in terms of the impact they can drive and create,鈥� he said.
Parent Network member Jennifer Gerken, whose son, Sam Gerken, is a rising sophomore majoring in data science, got involved through the survival kit campaign last spring.
"I wanted to make sure that not only did Sam get something, but I wanted to be able to provide for other students as well,鈥� Jennifer Gerken said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important that students get support both from home and from others, too. This is a great way to give back to other students."
Gerken said she is excited about the Parent Network鈥檚 potential to fund student organizations, competitions, and other activities that enhance the college experience.
鈥淚 think there鈥檚 a lot of talent on campus, and I think the funding parents are able to give above and beyond tuition can help other students meet their goals,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t helps them be able to pay for things such as entry fees or materials for their clubs, or even a place to stay if they鈥檙e in a club participating in a national or international competition.鈥�
With about 250 parents making donations in the first year, the Parent Network is open to all families who want to get involved at any level.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really a 鈥榩articipate as much as you want鈥� kind of thing,鈥� Spencer said. 鈥淵ou can come to the free events, make a donation and check out, or get fully engaged. That's the cool part 鈥� the flexibility.鈥�
For more information, visit the webpage or contact Seth Spencer.
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
