January 28, 2008

What a week! School is starting to pick up so for the first time this semester, I had to spend quite a bit of time studying last week. On top of that, the Student Foundation had three days packed with activities because our long-awaited visitor was in town.

We were honored to welcome Louis Blair, former executive secretary of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, to OSU. Our organization has been preparing for this visit for months, and it couldn’t have worked out better.

I had never met Louis before we ate dinner with him on Thursday night so I was a little nervous. It’s always that way for me before I meet donors, professors or anyone who has had a remarkable life. I still have so much to learn, and I’m always afraid I’ll say or do something stupid. (That rarely happens, but I still worry.)

As it turns out, there was nothing to worry about. From the time Louis took a seat at the table, I could tell it was going to be a delightful evening. He asked us questions about the organization and what it had accomplished in its first year, as well as what we had planned for the future. Then, he shared with us some of his traveling adventures (he has seen many different countries on horseback). It was a wonderful evening.

The next afternoon, he spoke to many OSU students about the importance of having passion, cultivating constructive curiosity and becoming investors. I thought about his words that evening as I was dining with Ann Halligan, former first lady of OSU and another wonderful, interesting person.

I realized that neither Louis Blair nor Ann Halligan attended OSU. Yet, their actions over the years have shown how much passion they have for this university. So what’s so special about OSU? Louis said he loves OSU because of its values and integrity. I have to agree with him. We are blessed to have some of the world’s best students, faculty and supporters.     

I always think I’ll support OSU once I graduate, but the truth is, I already do. Philanthropy isn’t just about giving money; it’s about supporting something you believe in. The Student Foundation has enabled me to give back to OSU in a way that is so rewarding. I get to thank donors for all the wonderful opportunities they’ve helped create and educate students about philanthropy all at the same time! I can’t think of a better combination. 

	The Student Foundation’s executive team had a wonderful time dining with Louis Blair at the Rancher’s Club restaurant. (Left to right: Michal, Omar, Caroline, Louis, Josh, Dennis, me and David)
	Caroline, Melissa, Bailey and I passed out nametags for the Student Foundation reception honoring Louis Blair.
	On Saturday, we took Louis to an OSU basketball game. We got to sit on the second row. It was amazing.
	Kyle and I went to Red Lobster to celebrate! (He looks goofy in this picture, but that’s what he gets for not letting me take another one.)