Donor Voices
Each and every financial contribution from you, our alumni and donors, supports “what is essential to the best in human nature,” as stated by Stephen Setterberg (BA ’80, philosophy, and MD ’84).
We are honored that out of all of the worthy giving opportunities from which you could choose, you supported CLA. Clearly, many of you, like Stephen, have “become even more convinced of the fundamental importance of critical reasoning to the future survival of democracy. Of course, what is traditionally understood as scientific knowledge is also essential—as COVID-19 has so brutally reminded us—but grounding in the core liberal arts perspectives on history, culture, the arts, moral and political constructs, and on what constitutes persuasive evidence, is arguably more important now than at any point in human history.”
Here are a few more comments from our donors.

As a member of the Marching Band, I was accepted for who and what I was and learned flexibility, persistence, determination, rigor, discipline, and stamina which have carried me through the past year, the past decade, and certainly will serve me well into old age. I have so much gratitude and appreciation for the profound life lessons I gleaned from that experience and couldn’t know that decades later, I would still be applying those learnings to my everyday life.
—Patrick Scott (BS ’90, music education)

Additionally, it is more important than ever to give of one’s time, talents, and treasures to support others on their journey in life. Through our relationship with CLA these past few years, we’ve been delighted to meet the students who’ve benefitted from our charitable efforts.
—Thomas (BA ’73, economics) and Kristin Holtz

When Michael was a graduate student in journalism, the Murphy Hall library was a place to relax, recharge, and research, a facility that also embodied a lot of the glowing history of the school itself.
It brings a smile to hear that our efforts have been sufficient to improve things, even a little, in the Murphy Hall library. We look forward to playing a part in its renovation.
—Michael Hill (MA ’79, mass communications) and Barbara Bink

And most importantly, CLA provided strong friendships that continue to this day.
The epidemic and social justice events of the past year and a half have only strengthened my belief that we all have to step up to support the success of our students.
Access, equity, and student success require our active participation and our financial support. And yes, we need to ask for more from the University. But we also need to give more generously to it so it can truly succeed.
—David Eder (BS ’87, urban studies)

CLA gave each of us a strong foundation in life.
By supporting CLA, we can help to provide learning opportunities for students who may not have access to higher education. Generosity is a balm to the things that divide us.
—Sarah (SB and AB '79, economics) and Jeff Zutz (BA ’78 and MA ’81, architecture )