The Steve & Emily Swanson Impact Challenge
Loyal Alumni Launch Philanthropic Challenge
The College of Charleston Fund makes a direct impact on the people, programs and places that define a College of Charleston education. This year, Steve and Emily Swanson, ‘89 will once again match your impact. For all new and increased leadership donors to the College of Charleston Fund, the Swansons will match your gift.
Gifts to the College of Charlerston Fund support vital scholarships, extraordinary faculty as well as leadership and professional networking opportunities for our alumni. Together, we can make a difference on today’s campus. But act quickly, the Swansons will only match gifts until December 31st!
For Steve, the gift of opportunity – a scholarship – brought him to the College. “I received a full scholarship which means someone provided funds for me to explore all the College’s dynamic liberal arts curriculum has to offer... It seems utterly natural to give back to the school that gave me so much.”
What is the objective of the IMPACT CHALLENGE?
The objective of the IMPACT CHALLENGE is to both grow and sustain the 1770 Society by encouraging donors to invest in the College of Charleston Fund at the $1,000+ level for two or more consecutive years.
How does the IMPACT CHALLENGE work?
In the first year of the challenge (2010), the match was set at 100% for gifts that resulted in reaching or exceeding the $1000 level. In year two (2011), the match is set at 25% of the total 1770 Society level gift that results in reaching or exceeding the $1000+ level. The goal is that in the third year (2012), after you have witnessed the IMPACT of your generosity, you will then make the College of Charleston Fund at the 1770 Society level a philanthropic priority on your own.
For example:
Year 1: 2010
You made a gift of $2,500, and received a match for $2,500 and witnessed the impact of a $5,000 gift.
Year 2: 2011
Make a gift of $3,750, receive a match for $1,250 and witness the impact of that $5,000 gift.
Year 3: 2012
Make the full gift of $5,000, and witness 100% of your own impact on the College.
What about the GOLD Society?
The Impact Challenge extends to you, our Graduates Of the Last Decade as well! GOLD Society level gifts are a vote of confidence in the College of Charleston and demonstrate your commitment to its future. Your gift has the power to help today’s students define their own College of Charleston experience. Gifts at the GOLD Society level support the heart of the College of Charleston Fund: annual need-based scholarships, world-class faculty, as well as professional networking opportunities for alumni.
For example:
Year 1: 2010
Your made a gift of $125 and received a match for $125 and witnessed the impact of a $250 gift.
Year 2: 2011
Make a gift of $175, receive a match for $75 and witness the impact of that $250 gift.
Year 3: 2012
Make the full gift of $250 and witness 100% of your own impact on the College.
The Swansons
Steve and Emily Swanson graduated from the College of Charleston in 1989. Steve was a Mathematics major and graduate of the Honors College, while Emily was a Biology major. Emily has had a successful career as an investigator with the US Food and Drug Administration. In 2001 Steve was made CEO of Automated Trading Desk (ATD) which was then sold in 2007 to Citigroup Inc. Swanson stayed on with Citigroup for many years only recently leaving his position there to focus on new adventures.
Swanson has been extremely involved with the College of Charleston. He is currently a member of the Foundation Board and is the immediate past Chairman. Steve was also a member of the School of Business Board of Governors, and was on the Honors College Steering Committee.
In their spare time, Steve and Emily enjoying practicing Tae Kwon Do with their two children, Natalie and Alexander.
Questions?
For more information about the Steve and Emily Swanson Impact Challenge, please contact Laurie Soenen, Director of Annual Giving Programs at soenenl@cofc.edu or by phone at 843.953.3418.
