Each year, more than 30,000 members of the 1636 Society choose to sustain Harvard’s place at the forefront of higher education by making an annual gift through the Harvard College Fund. Together, these gifts have a powerful impact—allowing Harvard to open doors to deserving students, support important research, and explore new opportunities. Here, some of our dedicated donors share what inspires them to give annually.
“Looking at my fellow Harvard graduates and current undergraduates, I am astounded and inspired by the wonderful citizens of the world they have become and are becoming. Who wouldn’t want to give back to a place that has changed so many lives for the better? I am humbled by the opportunity.” —Tony Obst ’67, MBA ’72
“Simply put, Harvard changed the trajectory of my life. While I’ve given to the Harvard College Fund every year since 1977, giving back is not only about money—it’s also about volunteering, participating in alumni activities, and connecting with young alumni and current students. I always tell undergraduates that Harvard is not a four-year gig—it’s a lifetime gig.” —Donald Guiney ’78
“The Harvard of today stands on the shoulders of generations of generous alumni donors from the past, and the Harvard of tomorrow will stand on our shoulders. Harvard College was an absolutely transformational experience for me—there is no organization I am prouder to support.” —Siri Uotila ’10
“I give to Harvard because of what Harvard gave to me—the opportunity to be part of an intellectually stimulating environment with wonderful people who have remained my friends for life.” —Lori Kaplowitz Beizer ’85, MD ’89
“In 1956, my father (Joseph K. Hurd Jr. ’60, MD ’64) was awarded a scholarship to attend Harvard College. Whoever made it financially possible for him to attend changed the arc of his life. It is an experience that can change lives for generations to come—I am living proof.” —Joe Hurd ’91, JD ’95
“I benefited greatly from financial aid when I was a student, and I believe it is incumbent on alumni—including young alumni—to ensure the program’s continued viability.” —Paras Bhayani ’09, MBA ’15
“My husband, Jonathan Dienstag ’05, and I give in appreciation of the opportunities Harvard afforded us, with the hope that our contributions will enable current students to thrive at Harvard.” —Grier Tumas Dienstag ’11, MBA ’15
“To be admitted to Harvard was to be given an enormous opportunity. I am hopeful that my gifts will, in some small way, help the College continue to provide that same opportunity to future generations of students.” —Brian Crowley ’75
“I am constantly inspired by my peers and their achievements. I choose to give back to Harvard because it is a place that brought all of us together and will continue to do so for years to come.” —Preetha Hebbar ’14
“I give because I am so grateful for the people I had the opportunity to meet, to learn from, and to include in my life beyond my four years as an undergraduate.” —Kyle Cutter-Dabiri ’07
“Harvard has had such a positive and lasting impact on my own life, both intellectually and interpersonally, that I find it rewarding to stay involved and contribute to its ongoing success.” —Bill Beizer ’85, MBA ’89
As seen in HARVARD MAGAZINE
Choose Harvard today with a gift to the Harvard College Fund.