May 17, 2022
A native from Manchester, Ohio, recent Shawnee State University graduate Taylor Jo Young chose to make an impact on current and future SSU Bears by participating in the Senior Gift program.
“Shawnee has blessed me with so many amazing opportunities and experiences on top of preparing me for my future,” she said. “By participating in the Senior Gift program, I am able to make an impact on our future Bears.”
A part of the SSU Development Foundation’s initiatives since 2018, the Senior Gift program is a way for graduating seniors to give back to future generations of SSU students each semester. The gifts benefit The Shawnee Fund – which impacts the campus community through programming opportunities, scholarships, and grants.
“The Senior Gift may seem too simple or like it’s not enough, which could turn people away from the cause, but that’s not the case,” said Young. “When it comes to a cause as great as The Shawnee Fund, every little bit helps, truly.”
The SSU Class of 2022 raised a total of $2,192.78 through the Senior Gift program thanks to the commitment of 108 graduating seniors making gifts of at least $20.22 to commemorate their graduation year.
“It means the world to me knowing that my fellow graduates are helping make attending university a reality for people like me, who may not have been able to attend without the help of scholarships and grants,” said Young who received scholarships to attend SSU.
Graduating at the end of April, Young majored in Business Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship. As an Orientation Leader, a Student Alumni Ambassador, the Club Coordinator for the Student Government Association, and a member of both the National Society of Leadership & Success and Delight Ministries, her involvement on campus outside of her classes made her experience even more meaningful.
“These opportunities combined with the professional experience I received through my job on campus with Alumni & Community Events and the Development Foundation allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills beyond what I ever thought was possible while also helping me gain the confidence I need for my future,” she said.
Since beginning on campus, the Senior Gift program has raised nearly $8,500 within the SSU Development Foundation thanks to the support of over 400 graduating seniors.
“I hope that more of our graduates will realize the impact this program has on students and choose to make a difference,” said Young.
To learn more about the SSU Development Foundation and its impact on Shawnee State University’s campus, visit givetossu.com or contact Chris Moore, Executive Director of the SSU Development Foundation at cmoore@shawnee.edu or by calling (740) 351-3082.