Jennifer Robinson (Perlberger) '95

It sounds cliche but as soon as I stepped on Haverford's campus, I knew it was the only school for me. The serene grounds did not hurt, but the selling point was definitely the the sense of community and sense of self among the students on campus- a sharp contrast to the competitive and anonymous atmosphere at the public high school I attended. I give to Haverford because I want to ensure a diverse group of students is able to attend Haverford so that it remains the unique institution it was when I attended. Whether I encounter older alumni or recent grads, I am always struck with pride to be a part of such a small and special group of graduates.  I give so that others may go on to become Fellow Fords.

Julie Min Chayet '91

I visited the campus many times while my brother, Robert (’86) was a student.  Finally, in April 1987, I walked through the main College entrance, past the duck pond and Barclay Beach with an acceptance letter in my own hand.  The campus was breathtakingly pristine, yet simple. Anxious about my future, I remember standing in the middle of Founders Green surrounded by students studying, talking, playing Frisbee and enjoying each other’s company.  The energy was contagious.

I make a gift to the College every year so that there will be another person who can share this amazing experience. When I write a check or go on-line to make my donation, I always take a minute to close my eyes and remember that special spring day (and many more that followed).  Sometimes, I can smell the flowers, feel the grass beneath my feet and hear the laughter and conversations all over again.  It is worth every penny and is truly priceless!

Hilary Comerchero '97

Haverford holds a special place in my heart as a unique, intimate, supportive community that at the same time was able to challenge me in a myriad of ways. Exciting ideas were discovered and debated in the classroom, dorms, and the DC, and lifelong friends were made. Also, my grandfather Tyson Stokes used to walk the same paths, and knowing that my donations continue a legacy for other students appeals greatly to me.

Matt Zipin '78

Haverford changed my life in radical and wonderful ways and opened my eyes to the possibility of a true community. I have carried that with me in the years since, and I appreciate the values and quiet strengths of Haverford even more today than I did as a student. I want to do my part to allow Haverford to continue to influence current students, including my daughter Laura, Class of 2011.

Ray Wierciszewski '87

I give to Haverford for three reasons. (1) I could not have attended Haverford without receiving generous financial assistance and I feel an obligation to help students who need financial aid; (2) I admire and respect the many faculty members and administrators who helped me throughout my years at the College and give as a way of thanking them for their support; and (3) as one of the premier small liberal arts colleges in the country, Haverford must rely on the financial support of alumni to continue to pursue its commitments to academic excellence and social justice.

Richard Kain '93

How can you hope to learn a language when it is, in fact, dead? This is the paradox that Richard Kain '93 works to overcome with his support of an intensive summer study program in Latin and Greek through the John B. Hurford Humanities Center. When explaining why he funds such a program, Kain says, "I had a great time at Haverford. If there was somewhere the humanities courses came up short, however, it was in the lack of sources in the original [ancient languages]." Learn more >

Preston Clark '79

As I look back over the years of my life and examine where my values and beliefs about the world derive, I find myself not just looking at my family values, but also at how my college experience formed the person I am today. Had I not experienced the Honor Code, Quaker traditions, how ideas can be shared freely and openly in a respectful manner, I know I wouldn't be the person that is as open and respectful of the diversity of people, cultures and new ideas that inundate today's world. When I donate to Haverford, it is in recognition and thanks for the impact it has had on me.

Lawrence and Ann Kaplan, Parents of Alexander Kaplan '09

We choose to support Haverford College because its educational mission, humane values and philosophy of personal conduct are an extension of our own parenting beliefs. Haverford College provides its students with a safe, nurturing environment that encourages academic experimentation, broadens personal horizons, establishes life-long friendships, and enriches their potential as constructive members of society.

Steven Anderson '93 & Rhonda Newton BMC '90

We give equally to Haverford and Bryn Mawr, in part because we're a bi-co couple, but also because we both benefited from both colleges. While majoring at our respective colleges, we each took courses and participated in social activities on the other campus, taking advantages of the strengths of each campus and building lifelong friendships. We want to make sure that Haverford and Bryn Mawr continue to provide the challenging learning environment we experienced for current and future students.

Andrew Jewel '91

My experience at Haverford was precisely what I wanted my college years to be.  It fit my "image" of college - the open spaces, the leafy quads, the architecture.  Haverford also allowed me to be as involved in the campus as I wanted - to play varsity tennis for 4 years, to be involved in certain debates, to not be involved in others.  I think that what makes Haverford unique is the unusual juxtaposition of a place that is all about community and coming together yet never imposes any pressure to actually take part in anything that doesn't appeal to you.  I give to Haverford because, quite simply, I don't want such a special place to have to feel the need to abandon what it feels is important because of lack of funds.  Haverford needs to stay Haverford, and if my contribution and others' can help with that, it's something worth doing.

Rick DeJesus-Rueff '75

In 1971, I was able to enroll at Haverford due to the need blind admission policy which was coupled with the full-need financial aid package. I know that others' financial contributions to the College helped make that possible. In my small way, I am passing along the favor that was done for me by others. My Haverford education made possible many of the good things I have been able to do professionally and personally.

Emily Bock '11

The Magill-Rhoads Scholarship makes it possible for me to not only support an organization or institution of my choice financially, but also to educate my peers at Haverford about philanthropy and what it means "to give": to give time, energy, talent, and money. Remembering what it means to give is especially crucial in this time of economic hardship, and the Magill-Rhoads Scholarship helps me to remember how important the spirit of giving is and always will be.

Eve Kurtin and Michael Steinberg, Parents of Drew Steinberg '09

When we contribute to the Parents’ Fund, we are sending a valuable message to our children that we believe in their educational pursuit and their choices. In support of our daughter and her school we feel it is very important to advocate for the school in its annual fund drive. We learned an underappreciated fact that even full tuition does not cover the entire cost of our children's education at Haverford. A donation to the annual fund provides you, your child and the school many benefits associated with unrestricted funding for programs and services. We hope you will join us in supporting Haverford, and please make a donation in any amount you feel comfortable as each and every donation really does make a difference.

Andres Celin '11

The Magill-Rhoads scholarship is a very unique one to receive. More important than acknowledging a certain kind of achievement prior to college, it allows us a hands-on opportunity to make a difference through philanthropy and encourages us to think of our future in terms of what we can give to others with whatever material well-being we have. It is both an honor and an acknowledgement of the social responsability that comes with the opportunity to be here."

Kiame Mahaniah '93

I remember so clearly my first days at Haverford, having moved from a French-speaking African county, with virtually no knowledge of American society. Haverford gave me an almost full ride, and my gratitude to the institution grew with every amazing semester, with every growth inducing activity. I received close to $100,000 from Haverford and have long promised myself that I would give back at least half as much, to afford others the intellectual and spiritual riches I experienced at Haverford.

Hard at Work

Amira Shulman-Kumin '10, works on the giant check for Alumni Weekend, representing the amount of money each class donated to the Haverford Fund, that she and Anne Koellhoffer '09 created for the Office of Annual Giving.

Rich Bobé '05

While I was a student at Haverford, I was given tremendous opportunities to grow intellectually and spiritually. Haverford not only invested in me as a student, but as a member of society who would take what he learned from his Haverford experience and apply it to everyday life experiences. I appreciate Haverford for believing in me, and I am eternally grateful. This is why I give to Haverford each and every year!

Tim Miller '04

I stay involved at Haverford because I still feel largely a part of the Haverford Community.  My friends and my family remain deeply rooted at Haverford and I want to make certain that this connection to Haverford endures to further enhance these relationships.

Maren Waldman '02

I give to Haverford as an ongoing thank you for the opportunities the College provided me as a student. The effects of my education continue to serve me. The connections I make with alumni have been instrumental in my progress post-graduation and continue to pave access roads to my future. I am grateful for the ongoing support of the College past my time as a student, its efforts in creating a powerful network, and its commitment to maintaining and growing an outstanding experience for incoming students.

Robin Albertson-Wren '91

During my four years at Haverford, I joined the field hockey and lacrosse teams in our evening phonathons to ask alumni to give generously to the Annual Fund. I always said to myself, "If only everybody on my list would give $10, think of how much we would gather in pledges every night!" I vowed to myself then that I would give every year, no matter how small an amount, as an appreciation for all that Haverford offered to me then and all that present students work towards today.

Chris Landrigan '91

My years at Haverford instilled in me both the desire to do something useful in the world, and a sense of social justice. I am a pediatric hospitalist and a health services researcher interested the effects of sleep deprivation on medial professionals. In many respects, it was my time at Haverford, which taught me critical analytic skills as well as the importance of taking action to fix embedded social problems that led me to do this work. I also met my wife Clare after being set up by a friend who was a member of the Ford S-Chords with me years ago. Many of my closest friends to this day are from Haverford. It has been and will continue to be a force in my life, and I wanted to say thanks.

Erik Muther '94

Haverford is built upon past generations of alumni achievement, donations and volunteer support. Having been a beneficiary of that investment, I feel it is only fair for me to contribute what I can so that future generations can benefit. Raising Haverford's standards - academic, social and moral - benefits not just current students, but all of those associated or affiliated with the College in some way.

Don and Dabby Harter, Parents of Kimberly (Harter) Morton '97

Our daughter, Kimberly wanted to be a nurse from the time she was four. She had promised her brother she would find a cure for cystic fibrosis and therefore enrolled at Haverford as a biology major. She could not have attended Haverford were it not for the generous financial aid she received during her four years there. Today she is an emergency medicine physician in Massachusetts and loves her job. Haverford allowed our daughter to pursue and fulfill her dream. We contribute to the College because we believe in the value of a superb education; but also in the hope that current and future students will be able to pursue their dreams as Kim did. To us, Haverford equals excellence.