Nearly two centuries ago, Longwood was founded as a place for women to earn their college degrees—a revolutionary idea at the time. Now Longwood will honor its more than 20,000 women graduates with a new Women & Philanthropy initiative.
The initiative will showcase the philanthropic impact alumnae have had on Longwood throughout its history.
“Our alumnae are a passionate, engaged group of women who have accomplished much throughout the generations, many of them as dedicated teachers who gave years of service in front of a classroom,” said Courtney Hodges, vice president for institutional advancement.
To kick off the program, Longwood’s development office plans to involve 180 new and renewed alumnae donors to be part of Women & Philanthropy by spring 2019. This newly formed coalition will celebrate both the university’s 180th year and the lasting impact of nearly two centuries of women graduates.
Any alumna who has made a gift of any amount from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, will be inducted as a founding member of Women & Philanthropy. All founding members will be invited to the inaugural Women & Philanthropy Summit held on Longwood’s campus in fall 2019.
“We want students, parents and friends to see women committed to building Longwood for future generations. This initiative invites women to come together and show the power of a Longwood education,” Hodges said.
It is especially meaningful to be part of an initiative that is focused on alumnae sharing their time, talents and resources for the benefit of both students and alumni.
ELLEN MASTERS POSTEL ‘97
The Women & Philanthropy initiative has three major components:
Celebrate the accomplishments of Longwood alumnae by recognizing philanthropy and providing opportunities for donors to engage with the university and others.
Connect Longwood alumnae to the university by giving them access to resources and opportunities for leadership growth, and by spotlighting women’s leadership activities.
Engage with Longwood alumnae, providing mentorship opportunities for current donors to meet Longwood’s up-and-coming women philanthropists; encouraging the leadership development of young alumnae who are already giving; and connecting them with each other through shared professional fields, philanthropic areas of interest, degrees and majors, and board service.
As part of the initiative, a Women & Philanthropy Leadership Council has been formed of generous and diverse Longwood alumnae who will advise the effort and serve as ambassadors for alumnae across the country.
“When asked if I would consider being part of the Women & Philanthropy initiative, I didn’t have to think twice,” said Ellen Masters Postel ’97, a member of the council and a former longtime Longwood staff member. “It’s especially meaningful to be part of an initiative that is focused on alumnae sharing their time, talents and resources for the benefit of both students and alumni. It’s a win-win.”
For more information about how to become involved in this new initiative, contact Jill Manning, leadership gift officer, at 434-3952127 or manningj@longwood.edu.
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