My life is a story of the power of philanthropy. If it weren’t for the scholarships I received as a first-generation college student, funded by people whom I had never met, I could never have afforded to attend college. But these donors believed in me, in an idea, and in the dozens of students who came before and after me. I am so grateful to have benefited from the generosity of others, and now it is my turn to give back. I am choosing to support students who may not otherwise have the opportunities I was afforded by the generosity of others.

As a dean, I get the privilege of seeing the power of philanthropy every day. What has, and continues to have, the greatest impact is seeing others experience the joy of giving. I’ve seen donors brought to tears with the joy they experience by helping others through philanthropy, and some of these donors have been coworkers. There is something so gratifying about helping others and sharing in the joy of their successes — that is why Phil lives among us.

There are many ways in which we can make a difference by participating in the We Are Phil campaign. We can choose what we’d like to support in our great university and be there to see its impact. And by giving in our own organization, we are sending a powerful message to donors outside the university that we believe so strongly in our work and its importance that we are making a personal investment. So please join me by participating in this year’s We Are Phil campaign.

— Daniel L. Clay, Ph.D., M.B.A. Dean and Professor UI College of Education