Sustaining Gifts

Millersville alumni share their favorite memories, why they make sustaining gifts to the University and the impact giving back has on their lives.

"My gift, combined with the gifts of others, helps bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the true cost to educate a student."

“My most fond memory of my time as a student was all the great, lifelong friendships that I made. I also had some wonderful teachers who had a profound impact on me to this day. Making a sustaining payment to Millersville allows me to make a larger gift that is spread out over time with monthly payments. This allows me to be a member of the College's Leadership Giving Club, the Associate Society without feeling the impact on my bank account all at once. I really like the feeling of paying it forward for today's faculty and students. I really like to give back to Millersville because I had a great experience there and I know that with the support of the MU Community we can make the school a better place. My gift, combined with the gifts of others, helps bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and the true cost to educate a student."

David Morris ’01

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I make a sustaining gift to The ’Ville because I don’t want any student to halt their education because they can’t afford to continue. It’s that simple.

“Without a doubt I am fond of the friendships that I made while attending The ’Ville. I find it even more incredible that by staying connected to MU through “Thrillersville” I’ve made even more friends and rekindled friendships that started nearly 20 years ago! I loved that I was able to be a Resident Assistant, a Summer Conference Assistant AND an Orientation Assistant. During my first week as an Orientation Assistant when all of my friends were talking about how MU reminded them of home, I shared how for me, MU was the exact opposite of the inner city. I had really overcome the culture shock! There were trees vs. concrete, silence vs. sirens and a slow pace vs. the hustle and bustle of the city…and I enjoyed it. From then on I was even more excited to call The ’Ville “home.”

I chose to make a sustaining payment because I desire to help college students who were just like me. I didn’t have major scholarships or grants. I was a first generation, African-American college student from inner city Philadelphia and I was NOT expected to make it through four years of college. Not because I wasn’t smart enough but because of money. Although my family was super proud of me, they couldn’t afford books, let alone tuition. I survived on student loans and working 2-3 jobs…AT A TIME! I was determined to make it and I did! I received a few hundred dollars a semester for books from my church and people would send me money when they could. I am eternally grateful to everyone who did that but I still worried every single semester that I wouldn’t be able to finish school because of money. From being on the Dean’s List to serving in many campus clubs and organizations to pledging Delta Sigma Theta to working in various capacities for MU’s Residence Life Department, I remained active and committed to myself, my education and my home away from home, The ’Ville. I make a sustaining gift to The ’Ville because I don’t want any student to halt their education because they can’t afford to continue. It’s that simple. I give back as a means of paying it forward. I know there will always be first generation college students who desire to make something of themselves, make their families proud and complete at least four years of college. I do it for them! Giving back to MU has instilled a sense of pride of me. I consider it a privilege to be able to give back to the University that I called “home” many years ago. Giving back keeps me connected and invested in The ’Ville. I’ve been able to witness so many changes to the campus over the last few years and it’s amazing! I love going back to visit and show off the campus to my sons. I am proud to encourage other high school students to consider Millersville University when deciding which schools to apply to.”

Joyce Nichole Robinson ’97