Bay Path University

26 Bay Pathway Spring 2018 L E T T E R F R O M T H E V I C E P R E S I D E N T F O R D E V E L O P M E N T A N D P L A N N E D G I V I N G Dear Friends, I have recently joined Bay Path as Vice President for Development and Planned Giving. For the last eight years, I have been working in healthcare in a similar role. I have already discovered the missions of health- care and education have much in common: providing assistance for people in need—often at the most unexpected or critical times—with the goal of enabling them to live a life of independence, of dignity, and to their full potential. But I must share that my journey to Bay Path began earlier in my career. I had the privilege to be part of the team that launched the inaugural Women's Leadership Conference. Even then, I was inspired by the passion of President Leary, and I developed a strong connection to the University's mission to empower women, and now men graduate students, through career-focused education. I was impressed then…and I still am today. As a member of the greater Springfield business community, through the years I have witnessed this incredible transformation of Bay Path. Although many things have changed, the University has remained true to its core values of being a place where innovative learning is embraced. From the Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders (WELL) program to the diverse number of graduate programs for women and men, to the groundbreaking impact of The American Women's College, Bay Path has been fearless in challenging the status quo of higher education. More importantly, the reputation of the University continues to grow. From my perspective, there are many factors that contribute to enhancing Bay Path's name, but none more important than the role each and every one of our alumni play in representing and supporting our students and the University. How can one person make a difference? I always say, "never underestimate the Power of One," especially when it translates to gifts that will help our current students learn, grow, and be curious. As a first-generation college graduate in my family, I know the financial challenges of our students. For many Bay Path students, without a scholarship they would never be able to complete their education; without a travel stipend, they would not be able visit parts of our country to learn about our great history or culture; without a grant for their internship, they would not be able to gain the experience they need for their future jobs or graduate school. These are just some of the opportunities made possible by the generosity of our donors. I, and my department, will be building on this momentum through one gift, big or small, from one person at a time. We will put the "Power of One" into action. In the weeks and months to come, I am excited to provide leadership in the areas of planned giving, annual fund giving, alumni relations, special events, and major gifts. I would also love to speak with you about how you can include Bay Path in your estate plans, take advantage of corporate matching gifts, or establish a scholarship in your name or in memoriam of someone you hold dear. Feel free to email me at agkalill@baypath.edu, or call my direct line at 413.565.1150, if you would like to chat more. I look forward to meeting you! Sincerely, Allison Gearing-Kalill To read more about Allison and her amazing backstory, visit www.baypath.edu. "Our alumni play an important role in representing and supporting our students – and enhancing the reputation of Bay Path. "Never Underestimate the Power of One."

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