Why I Give Series<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1690570585752{margin-right: 240px !important;margin-left: 240px !important;padding-top: 3px !important;padding-bottom: 3px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1690570676720{background-color: #04b3e2 !important;}”]<\/p>\n
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”150px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” text_align=”left” css_animation=”” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
It\u2019s Black Philanthropy Month. Celebrate with us!<\/h2>\n
[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” text_align=”left” background_color=”#ffffff” css_animation=”” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]Join us all month long as we roll out our third annual Why I Give Series<\/strong>. Follow along for weekly stories of inspiration featuring Black alumni donors.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]As you consider your charitable giving this month, we invite you to support the Black Alumni Network Scholarship or any of the University\u2019s Black Campus Initiatives<\/a>. [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”]Support the Black Alumni Network today!<\/i><\/a>[vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/a><\/p>\nGary Roebuck \u201999E<\/h3>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]![\"Gary](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/advancement\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Gary-Roebuck-resized.png\")
This week, we are pleased to introduce Gary Roebuck \u201999E. Gary received his Bachelor of Music and Performance Certificate in Voice, as well as the Arts Leadership Certificate, from the Eastman School of Music at the URochester in 1999. Gary went on to earn two graduate degrees \u2013 a Master of Science in Information Systems from DePaul University and a Master of Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management from the University of Baltimore \u2013 while working full-time.<\/p>\n
From the arts to consulting and trade associations, Gary\u2019s impressive 25+ year career has been spent exclusively working with or within nonprofit organizations. Today, Gary works as the Chief Operating Officer of the Open Technology Fund, a Congressionally-authorized independent non-profit organization committed to advancing global internet freedom through funding development of technologies aimed at counteracting repressive censorship and surveillance. In the midst of this work, Gary has managed to continue as a performing musician, serving as a professional cantor and choir section leader in congregations for 28 years.<\/p>\n
Q: Why do you give to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: I think many of us are taught to give back as we progress through life as a way to \u2018pay it forward\u2019. Like many, I attended the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ on scholarship as my parents lacked the financial means to send me to an institution of this caliber. While I cannot directly repay the generosity of those whose gifts to the University funded my education, I can pay that debt forward by assisting those that will come after me so that they too can benefit from the Rochester experience that has so greatly enriched my life and allowed me to find my professional path. I have chosen to contribute specifically to the libraries and Eastman.<\/p>\n
Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: As stated previously, the goal is to positively impact the lives of those who will come after me just as the generosity of those who came before did for me.<\/p>\n
Q: How did you choose the fund\/program\/unit you most frequently support?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: There is a saying that charity starts at home. Since this is a mantra to which I subscribe and \u2018home\u2019 for me is Eastman as well as the libraries (where I spent many hours as a student roaming the stacks hoping to serendipitously stumble upon interesting but relatively unknown music to perform), this is where I have decided to direct my gifts.<\/p>\n
Q: If you were talking to someone about giving to UR, what would you tell them?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: To shamelessly borrow from Nike, I would say \u2018just do it\u2019. Many of us have been conditioned to believe philanthropy is for the \u2018rich\u2019 (however you may define that), but I’ve learned that giving doesn\u2019t have to be a grand gesture to be meaningful or impactful. One can be philanthropic throughout one\u2019s life, adjusting the nature of your gifts as your financial circumstances change. Again, going back to the desire to \u2018pay it forward\u2019, I don\u2019t have to necessarily wait until I have reached the pinnacle of my career or the fullness of retirement to begin that process. I can start now.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/a><\/p>\nDr. Anika Simone Johnson \u201918W (EdD)<\/h3>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]![\"Anika](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/advancement\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Dr-johnson-resized.png\")
This week, we are pleased to introduce Dr. Anika Simone Johnson \u201918W (EdD). Dr. Johnson received her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration, with a specialization in Higher Education, from the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the URochester in 2018. Prior to that, Dr. Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from SUNY Fredonia and then her Master of Arts in Education from Fairfield University before launching into a seven-year career teaching in a K-12 setting.<\/p>\n
Today, Dr. Johnson is the Assistant Dean of Equity and Inclusion at the Warner School at the URochester. In her current role, Dr. Johnson works to drive institutional change, create more diverse co-curricular experiences, increase EDI education across Warner\u2019s community, and foster a more equitable and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Dr. Johnson is also the Rochester Program Regional Co-Chair of the Black Alumni Network, as well as a member of the University\u2019s Diversity Advisory Council.<\/p>\n
Q: Why do you give to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: I give to the University because I have a personal connection to make a positive impact and build community and culture in the lives of students obtaining their degree.<\/p>\n
Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy? <\/strong><\/p>\nA: My philanthropic goals are aligned with advancing social justice and equality within educational settings. I hope to contribute to creating educational environments where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and all individuals can thrive and succeed regardless of their background or identity.<\/p>\n
Q: How did you choose the fund\/program\/unit you most frequently support?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: I believe it is where I have seen most impactful change while valuing our student\u2019s needs, where they feel seen, heard, protected, and provided for.<\/p>\n
Q: What does being a member of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Black Alumni Network mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: In essence, being a member of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Black Alumni Network is about fostering connections, supporting each other, advocating for positive change, and leaving a lasting impact on the University\u2019s community and beyond. It’s a way to promote a sense of legacy to the institution while actively preserving alumni ongoing history and honoring our experiences and contributions.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/a><\/p>\nDamian Otsile Rantshabeng \u201924<\/h3>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]![\"Meet](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/advancement\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Damian_resized.png\")
This week, we are pleased to introduce Damian Otsile Rantshabeng \u201924. Damian received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Certificate in Actuarial Studies from the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ in May 2024. During this undergraduate tenure, Damian was actively involved as the Alumni Relations Chair for the National Society of Black Engineers and the Senior Giving Co-Chair for the Senior Class Council. He also served as a Student Alumni Ambassador (SAA) and was a member of the Ma\u2019Frisah African Dance Group.<\/p>\n
Building upon the strong foundation he developed during his time as Alumni Relations Chair and Senior Giving Co-Chair, Damian has accepted a position within the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement as a Development Specialist. In this role, he will support the Volunteer Engagement and Programs and Affinity Networks and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teams.<\/p>\n
Q: Why do you give to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: The journey of an international student is a very special and unique one. I don\u2019t think it can ever be fully prepared for and anticipated. It would be an injustice to believe that my success is a result of solely my individual efforts. During my undergraduate career, I saw how different departments and offices at the URochester moved to support me in my life overseas. If I named all of them, we would be here until next year. I give back to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ because of each form of support that got me through challenging times. For me, academics were not my biggest adversity, it was everything else that made my college experience, especially after starting my first year remotely, and moving across an ocean during COVID. A lot of people before me crawled so that I could walk, and for as long as I can, in whatever capacity possible, I give so that many coming after me can run.<\/p>\n
Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy?<\/strong><\/p>\nA: In my native language, Setswana, there is a saying that goes, \u2018Motho ke motho ka batho\u2019 which translates to \u2018A person is a person, because of other people.\u2019 This proverb emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, and I want to continue creating endless ripples of this principle through my philanthropy. The goal is for everyone to do something, and not someone doing everything.<\/p>\n
Gary Roebuck \u201999E<\/h3>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]This week, we are pleased to introduce Gary Roebuck \u201999E. Gary received his Bachelor of Music and Performance Certificate in Voice, as well as the Arts Leadership Certificate, from the Eastman School of Music at the URochester in 1999. Gary went on to earn two graduate degrees \u2013 a Master of Science in Information Systems from DePaul University and a Master of Public Administration in Public and Nonprofit Management from the University of Baltimore \u2013 while working full-time.<\/p>\n
From the arts to consulting and trade associations, Gary\u2019s impressive 25+ year career has been spent exclusively working with or within nonprofit organizations. Today, Gary works as the Chief Operating Officer of the Open Technology Fund, a Congressionally-authorized independent non-profit organization committed to advancing global internet freedom through funding development of technologies aimed at counteracting repressive censorship and surveillance. In the midst of this work, Gary has managed to continue as a performing musician, serving as a professional cantor and choir section leader in congregations for 28 years.<\/p>\n
Q: Why do you give to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: I think many of us are taught to give back as we progress through life as a way to \u2018pay it forward\u2019. Like many, I attended the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ on scholarship as my parents lacked the financial means to send me to an institution of this caliber. While I cannot directly repay the generosity of those whose gifts to the University funded my education, I can pay that debt forward by assisting those that will come after me so that they too can benefit from the Rochester experience that has so greatly enriched my life and allowed me to find my professional path. I have chosen to contribute specifically to the libraries and Eastman.<\/p>\n Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: As stated previously, the goal is to positively impact the lives of those who will come after me just as the generosity of those who came before did for me.<\/p>\n Q: How did you choose the fund\/program\/unit you most frequently support?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: There is a saying that charity starts at home. Since this is a mantra to which I subscribe and \u2018home\u2019 for me is Eastman as well as the libraries (where I spent many hours as a student roaming the stacks hoping to serendipitously stumble upon interesting but relatively unknown music to perform), this is where I have decided to direct my gifts.<\/p>\n Q: If you were talking to someone about giving to UR, what would you tell them?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: To shamelessly borrow from Nike, I would say \u2018just do it\u2019. Many of us have been conditioned to believe philanthropy is for the \u2018rich\u2019 (however you may define that), but I’ve learned that giving doesn\u2019t have to be a grand gesture to be meaningful or impactful. One can be philanthropic throughout one\u2019s life, adjusting the nature of your gifts as your financial circumstances change. Again, going back to the desire to \u2018pay it forward\u2019, I don\u2019t have to necessarily wait until I have reached the pinnacle of my career or the fullness of retirement to begin that process. I can start now.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/a><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text] Today, Dr. Johnson is the Assistant Dean of Equity and Inclusion at the Warner School at the URochester. In her current role, Dr. Johnson works to drive institutional change, create more diverse co-curricular experiences, increase EDI education across Warner\u2019s community, and foster a more equitable and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Dr. Johnson is also the Rochester Program Regional Co-Chair of the Black Alumni Network, as well as a member of the University\u2019s Diversity Advisory Council.<\/p>\n Q: Why do you give to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: I give to the University because I have a personal connection to make a positive impact and build community and culture in the lives of students obtaining their degree.<\/p>\n Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy? <\/strong><\/p>\n A: My philanthropic goals are aligned with advancing social justice and equality within educational settings. I hope to contribute to creating educational environments where diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and all individuals can thrive and succeed regardless of their background or identity.<\/p>\n Q: How did you choose the fund\/program\/unit you most frequently support?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: I believe it is where I have seen most impactful change while valuing our student\u2019s needs, where they feel seen, heard, protected, and provided for.<\/p>\n Q: What does being a member of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Black Alumni Network mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: In essence, being a member of the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Black Alumni Network is about fostering connections, supporting each other, advocating for positive change, and leaving a lasting impact on the University\u2019s community and beyond. It’s a way to promote a sense of legacy to the institution while actively preserving alumni ongoing history and honoring our experiences and contributions.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text]<\/a><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px” image_repeat=”no-repeat”][vc_column_text] Building upon the strong foundation he developed during his time as Alumni Relations Chair and Senior Giving Co-Chair, Damian has accepted a position within the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement as a Development Specialist. In this role, he will support the Volunteer Engagement and Programs and Affinity Networks and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teams.<\/p>\n Q: Why do you give to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: The journey of an international student is a very special and unique one. I don\u2019t think it can ever be fully prepared for and anticipated. It would be an injustice to believe that my success is a result of solely my individual efforts. During my undergraduate career, I saw how different departments and offices at the URochester moved to support me in my life overseas. If I named all of them, we would be here until next year. I give back to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ because of each form of support that got me through challenging times. For me, academics were not my biggest adversity, it was everything else that made my college experience, especially after starting my first year remotely, and moving across an ocean during COVID. A lot of people before me crawled so that I could walk, and for as long as I can, in whatever capacity possible, I give so that many coming after me can run.<\/p>\n Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your philanthropy?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: In my native language, Setswana, there is a saying that goes, \u2018Motho ke motho ka batho\u2019 which translates to \u2018A person is a person, because of other people.\u2019 This proverb emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, and I want to continue creating endless ripples of this principle through my philanthropy. The goal is for everyone to do something, and not someone doing everything.<\/p>\nDr. Anika Simone Johnson \u201918W (EdD)<\/h3>\n
This week, we are pleased to introduce Dr. Anika Simone Johnson \u201918W (EdD). Dr. Johnson received her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration, with a specialization in Higher Education, from the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the URochester in 2018. Prior to that, Dr. Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in Communication from SUNY Fredonia and then her Master of Arts in Education from Fairfield University before launching into a seven-year career teaching in a K-12 setting.<\/p>\nDamian Otsile Rantshabeng \u201924<\/h3>\n
This week, we are pleased to introduce Damian Otsile Rantshabeng \u201924. Damian received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Certificate in Actuarial Studies from the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ in May 2024. During this undergraduate tenure, Damian was actively involved as the Alumni Relations Chair for the National Society of Black Engineers and the Senior Giving Co-Chair for the Senior Class Council. He also served as a Student Alumni Ambassador (SAA) and was a member of the Ma\u2019Frisah African Dance Group.<\/p>\n
![\"Kristalyn](\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/advancement\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Kristalyn_resized.png\")
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